THE   NORSEMAN 


THE     NORSEMAN 

A     DRAMA     IN     FOUR     ACTS     BY 
ELIZABETH      ALDEN      CURTIS 


PORTLAND    MAINE 

THE    MOSHER    PRESS 

MDCCCCXII 


COPYRIGHT 

ELIZABETH    ALDEN    CURTIS 
1912 


This  tale,  that  runs  not  smooth,  of  two  who  loved, — 
Of  two  who  loved  transcendently,  and  so 
Turned  the  gods'  eyes  upon  them,  and  drew  down 
Hatreds,  and  obstacles,  and  plotted  woe, 
E'en  such  as  all  the  great,  dead  lovers  knew, 
Ere  they  beheld  and  reached  their  final  goal, 
Ere,  in  the  twilight  portals  of  the  stars, 
Rejoined  they  each  his  dear,  divided  soul, — 
Not  singly  stands  this  tale  !     No  perfect  thing 
Earth's  envy  spares,  nor  spares  fate's  black  despite  ! 
So  V  was  ordained,  for  Love's  high  'venturers, 
To  tread  the  dim  abysses  of  the  night, 
Onward,  by  Aengus  and  fair  Edain,  led ; 
Maddened  by  visions,  hemmed  by  phantoms  'round ; 
^et  blessed  beyond  earth's  easeful  votaries, — 
Love-loosed  from  all  things  lesser  than  the  sound 
Of  their  own  vows,  breathed  on  the  moon-bright  air; 
Veiled,  as  was  Forgael,  from  the  blight  of  time, 
Enmeshed,  at  last,  in  sweet  Dectora's  hair ! 

February  5,  1912. 


20211CO 


PREFATORY  NOTE 


THE  drama  of  THE  NORSEMAN,  adheres  as  closely  as  possible 
to  the  story  of  Frithiof  and  Ingeborg,  as  it  was  told  in  the 
ancient  Frithiof  Saga,  of  which  the  following  is  a  brief  extract: 

"  In  Sognefylke,  near  the  holy  grove  of  Balder,  dwelt  King  Bele; 
two  sons  had  he,  Helge  and  Halfdan,  and  moreover  a  daughter, 
Ingeborg  the  Fair.  When  he  came  to  die,  Bele  warned  his  sons  to 
keep  up  friendship  with  the  mighty  Frithiof,  a  son  of  his  friend, 
Thorsten,  who  was  the  son  of  Viking.  But  the  young  kings  refused 
scornfully  Frithiof's  wooing  for  their  sister's  hand,  and  so  he  vowed 
revenge,  and  that  he  never  would  come  to  their  assistance. 

"  Soon  after,  it  came  to  pass  that  when  King  Ring  made  war 
against  them,  they  sent  to  ask  aid  from  Frithiof :  he  was  playing 
chess,  and  let  himself  not  be  one  whit  disturbed  by  their  messenger. 

"  Ring  conquered,  and  made  the  brothers  promise  Ingeborg's  hand 
to  him. 

"  Meanwhile  Frithiof  had  gone  to  see  Ingeborg  in  Balder's  temple 
(which  was  a  forbidden  deed)  and  there  he  exchanged  rings  with 
her;  for  to  him  the  love  of  Ingeborg  was  a  far  weightier  matter  than 
the  favor  of  Balder. 

"  To  punish  him  for  his  contempt  of  the  shrine  of  Balder,  the  kings 
laid  upon  Frithiof  the  task  of  going  to  the  Faroes  and  demanding  a 
tribute.  So  Frithiof,  with  his  foster  brother,  set  sail  in  the  ship, 
Ellida,  the  best  in  all  the  North ;  a  ship  which  all  said  could  under 
stand  the  voice  of  men.  After  suffering  shipwreck  and  enchantment, 
they  reached  the  Faroes,  where  Yarl  Angantyr  let  him  take  the 
tribute  for  friendship's  sake,  and  so  he  departed. 


Vll 


PREFATORY    NOTE 


"  When  he  came  back,  he  heard  that  the  kings  had  burned  his 
dwelling,  and  that  they  were  just  then  at  the  midsummer  feast  in 
the  grove  of  Balder.  Thither  he  went,  and  found  few  folk  within. 
Frithiof  flung  the  purse  with  the  money  in  Helge's  face,  so  that  his 
very  teeth  fell  out;  and  then  he  was  going  away,  when  he  beheld  the 
ring  he  had  given  Ingeborg  on  the  arm  of  Helge's  queen.  He 
dragged  it  from  her  with  such  force  that  she  fell  to  the  ground; 
Balder's  image  was  thrown  into  the  fire,  and  the  whole  temple  set 
in  flame.  King  Helge  sought  to  pursue  Frithiof,  but  his  ships  had 
been  made  useless. 

"  Now  Frithiof  remained  an  outcast ;  so  he  took  to  the  ocean,  and 
he  slew  the  fierce  sea-kings,  but  let  the  merchants  fare  in  peace. 
And  so,  when  he  had  gained  great  glory  and  wealth,  he  hied  him 
back  again  to  the  North,  and  went  disguised  as  a  salt-burner  to  the 
court  of  King  Ring.  Ring  knew  him,  and  pitying  his  sad  tale,  com 
manded  that  he  should  be  set  in  the  most  honourable  seat.  Queen 
Ingeborg  spake  but  little  with  him.  One  day,  Frithiof  and  the  king 
went  out  together  into  a  wood,  and  the  king  laid  him  down  to  sleep ; 
then  Frithiof  drew  his  sword,  and  threw  it  away.  Then  the  king 
told  him  how  that  he  had  known  from  the  first  evening  who  he 
was." 

There  are  several  endings  given,  by  the  mythologists,  to  this  legend. 
One  of  the  most  usually  accepted  ones  has  been  adapted  to  the 
present  play.  The  only  decided  liberties  that  have  been  taken  with 
the  story,  have  been  the  placing  of  Ingeborg's  ring  on  the  arm  of 
Balder's  image,  instead  of  upon  that  of  Helge's  queen, — for  the 
purpose  of  dignifying  the  scene,  and  heightening  the  effect  of  the 
sacrilege;  the  turning  back  of  the  season  of  Frithiof's  arrival  at 
the  court  of  King  Ring,  from  winter  to  autumn ;  and  a  general 


Vlll 


PREFATORY    NOTE 


shortening  of  the  events  of  that  period  of  the  Saga  into  the  possible 
limits  of  a  single  stage  act. 

The  lyrics,  which  occur  in  the  drama,  should  be  set  to  an  almost 
purely  recitative  music,  which  will  in  no  sense  impair  the  spoken 
value  of  the  words.  We  know  little  of  the  art  of  those  earliest 
skalds,  or  harpers,  who  told  stories  in  song  to  the  romance-loving, 
heroic  peoples  of  the  antique  world,  but  this  much  must  be  certain; 
that  the  words,  themselves,  with  all  the  thrilling,  impassioned  power 
of  spoken  language,  must  have  been  clearly  intelligible,  and  unhamp 
ered  by  musical  embellishment,  or  the  interest  of  those  long,  narrative 
song-poems  could  never  have  been  sustained.  A  vibrant  chord  —  a 
fiery  stanza,  differing  not  much  from  speech,  save,  perhaps,  in  its 
rhythm,  and  return,  on  a  last  word,  to  music,  as  if  tethered  by  a 
golden  thread  of  melody ;  a  minor  plaint,  accompanied  by  an 
arpeggio  undertone;  —  who  can  suggest  or  outline  the  technique  of 
that  lost  art  of  story -telling-in-song  !  Of  the  songs  in  the  present 
play,  only  one,  the  last,  seems  suited  to  anything  like  a  modern 
musical  treatment,  —  a  distinct  melody,  perhaps,  and  barcarolle 
rhythm.  The  others  belong,  I  am  sure,  to  that  far-off  day  when  the 
singers  were  the  poets,  prophets,  actors,  and  historians  of  the  nation, 
and  "a  song"  must  have  had  an  infinitely  fuller  significance  than 
any  that  it  holds,  to-day. 

E.  A.  C. 

HARTFORD,  CONNECTICUT 
February  2,  1912 


THE   NORSEMAN 


THE  PERSONS  OF  THE  PLAY 

SIGURD  RING,  King  of  Ringric 

HELGE,       >  Kings  of  Sognefylke  and  Brothers  of 

HALFDAN,  )       Ingeborg 

THE  CROWN  PRINCE  OF  RINGRIC,  a  Child 

A  HIGH  PRIEST  OF  BALDER 

FRITHIOF,  a  Free  Norseman,  son  of  Thorsten,  a  Hero, 

whose  death  has  just  occurred 
BJORN,  Comrade  of  Frithiof 
HILDING,  Foster-father  of  Frithiof  and  Ingeborg 
BLAETAND 
HALVAR,  a  Jester 

HEm,  }  Two  Witches 
A  SKALD 
FIRST  WARRIOR 
SECOND  WARRIOR 
FIRST  MARINER 
SECOND  MARINER 
AN  OLD  MAN 
HUNVOR,  Queen  to  Helge 

THE  PRINCESS  INGEBORG,  Sister  of  Helge  and  Halfdan 
KRAKE,  Ingeborg's  Maid-in-Waiting 
PRIESTS  OF  BALDER,  WARRIORS,  MARINERS,  VASSALS 
and  MAIDENS 

The  Play  is  laid  in  Iceland,  in  the  period  covered  by  the 
poetic  Edda 


THE   SCENES 

ACT      I.     SCENE  i.     Framnas.    A  Hall  in  Frithiof's  House. 
ACT    II.     SCENE  i.     Sognefylke.     The  Grove  of  Balder. 

SCENE  2.     The  Sea  Coast. 
ACT  III.     SCENE  i.     A  Road  near  Sognefylke. 

SCENE  2.     The  Grove  of  Balder. 
ACT  IV.     SCENE  i.     Ringric.     The  Feasting-Hall  in  King 

Ring's  Palace. 

SCENE  2.     A  Terrace  outside  the  Palace. 
Four  years  are  supposed  to  have  elapsed  between 
Acts  III  and  IV. 


THE  NORSEMAN 

A    DRAMA    IN    FOUR    ACTS 


ACT  I 

SCENE  i.  FRAMNAS.  A  Hall  in  FRITHIOF'S  house.  The 
walls  are  hung  with  weapons  and  spoils  of  the  chase. 
Oak  benches,  upon  which  armor  is  scattered.  The  floor 
is  strewn  with  rushes.  Although  it  is  early  summer,  a 
bright  fire  burns  on  the  hearth.  At  the  back,  a  door 
opening  on  a  birch  forest,  with  a  glimpse  of  the  sea 
beyond. 

A  SKALD,  heard  singing,  to  the  accompaniment  of  a 
harp,  as  the  curtain  rises,  and  the  twelve  warriors  of 
THORSTEN,  seated,  listening,  about  the  benches.  A 
maid,  who  has  been  quietly  filling  up  the  mead-horns, 
goes  out  before  the  end  of  the  song. 

THE  SKALD  [Concluding.] 

DEEPLY,  in  his  rounded  grave, 
Thorsten  sleeps  beside  the  wave  ; 
Thus  it  is  ye  shall  relate 
Thorsten' s  deeds  both  good  and  great. 

Like  the  snow-kissed  Northern  pine, 
Stood  he,  in  his  day's  decline  ; 


THE     N  O  R  S  E  M  A  N 


As  the  sun,  at  close  of  day, 
Passed  his  mighty  soul  away. 

Dim  with  years  his  mortal  sight, 
In  Valhalla's  Hall  of  Light, 
There,  Jorevermore,  shall  he 
Odin's  changeless  glory  see. 

FIRST  WARRIOR  [  When  the  music  has  died  away.} 

'Twas  thus,  indeed,  great  Thorsten  lived  and  died, — 
Wearing  his  valor  like  a  kingly  crown  ! 

SECOND  WARRIOR 
Alas,  we  shall  not  see  his  like  again  ! 

FIRST  WARRIOR 
Unless  his  spirit  wakes  in  Frithiof. 


That  colt  has  grazed  in  scented  fields  too  long 
He  needs  must  feel  some  strong  adversity, 
To  stir  the  sweet  contentment  of  his  blood. 


Mayhap  the  goad  is  even  now  prepared ! 
I  fear  me  that  the  temper  of  the  King 
Will  not  embrace  young  Frithiof's  overture. 


THE     NORSEMAN 


THE  SKALD 

What 's  this  you  speak  of  ?     I  am  just  returned 
To  Sognefylke,  and  the  Kingdom's  news 
Outruns  me.     What  is  this  of  Frithiof  ? 

FIRST  WARRIOR 

Thou  dost  recall  the  life-long  covenant 
'Twixt  Thorsten  and  King  Bele  ? 

THE  SKALD 

Aye,  full  well ! 

FIRST  WARRIOR 

It  was  King  Bele's  wish  that  his  two  sons, 
Helge  and  Halfdan,  our  late-crowned  Kings, 
And  his  sweet  daughter,  Princess  Ingeborg, 
Should,  at  his  death,  maintain,  with  Frithiof, 
The  friendship  he  had  shown  for  Thorsten.     So  — 

SECOND  WARRIOR  {Interrupting  him.] 

So  Frithiof  has  gone,  this  very  day, 
With  young  Bjorn,  his  sworn  and  chosen  friend, 
To  lay  his  sword  before  the  Kings  of  Sogn, 
Offering  to  take  his  warlike  father's  place, 
And  fight  the  Kingdom's  battles. 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FIRST  WARRIOR 

Furthermore, 

He  goes,  —  for  this  was  Bele's  true  desire, — 
To  ask  her  brothers  for  the  Princess'  hand. 
Thou  knowest  they  were  reared  in  Hilding's  house, 
Together,  with  this  very  end  in  view. 

THE  SKALD 

"As  fond  as  Frithiof  and  Ingeborg," 
Was  e'er  a  saying  in  old  Hilding's  mouth! 
And  have  these  saplings  never  grown  apart  ? 

FIRST  WARRIOR 

They  are  so  grafted  on  each  other's  lives, 
I  think  the  natural  order  is  reversed, 
And  that  the  tree  doth  live  upon  the  shoot, 
And  all  its  better  parts  do  spring  therefrom. 

THE  SKALD 

And  what  if  Helge  should  refuse  this  suit  ? 
Men  say  he  has  a  proud  and  grudging  heart ! 

SECOND  WARRIOR  [Grimly.] 

Why,  then  will  Thorsten's  comrades  have  a  word 
To  say  for  that  which  Thorsten  held  most  dear  ! 

[Striking  his  sword-hilt,  significantly] 
A  word  so  sharp  that  even  Kings  must  hear  ! 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[THE  WARRIORS  assent,  hotly.  So  intent  are  they,  that 
BJORN  enters,  and  stands  in  their  midst,  unnoticed. 
He  is  young  and  golden-haired,  and,  in  spite  of  his 
heavy  armor,  looks  like  a  lad,  among  the  battle-scarred 
soldiers  of  T/wrsten] 

BJORN 

An  enemy  might  take  you  by  surprise  ! 

Where  are  your  ears,  ye  greybeards,  and  your  eyes  ? 

[THE  WARRIORS  spring  up,  startled;  upon  seeing 
BJORN,  they  surround  him,  eagerly.] 

FIRST  WARRIOR 

Bjorn  !     What !     Back  so  soon  ?     Where  's  Frithiof  ? 
Come  boy,  what  news?     What  passed  at  Helge's  court? 

BJORN   [Darkly.] 

The  foulest  insult  passed  that  e'er  I  heard  ! 

[To  THE  WARRIORS.] 
'T  was  well  I  went  with  Frithiof,  alone  ! 
Had  ye  been  there,  ye  would  have  slain  the  King, 
Upon  his  judging-seat,  and  thrown  the  realm 
Into  a  revolution  ! 

[THE  WARRIORS  crowd  closer  about  him,  murmuring 
excitedly.] 

SECOND  WARRIOR 

Tell  us  more ! 
Speak  plainly  all  that  thou  hast  hinted  at ! 


THE     NORSEMAN 


BJORN 

Frithiof  is  close  behind  me.     He  but  stayed 

To  see  the  boat  drawn  safe  upon  the  shore. 

See,  here  he  comes !     Now,  learn  the  tale  from  him  ! 

[FRITHIOF  is  seen  approaching,  through  the  wood.  THE 
WARRIORS  draw  apart,  to  make  way  for  him,  and 
salute  him,  with  affection  and  pride,  as  he  enters] 

FRITHIOF  [With  a  show  of  cheerfulness ] 

Why  now,  good  friends,  't  is  joy  to  be  at  home  ! 

In  this  sweet  circle  should  all  journeys  lead, — 

From  home,  toward  home  ;  that  home  may  shine  more  fair 

For  being  glimpsed  a-distant,  like  a  star  ! 

FIRST  WARRIOR  [Solemnly.] 

With  joy  do  we  behold  thee,  Frithiof, 
And  do  most  anxiously  await  thy  news, 
If  it  be  good,  we  '11  publish  thy  success  ; 
If  bad,  our  hungry  swords  will  follow  thee, 
To  better  it,  —  or  be  thy  liegemen  still, 
In  those  bright  Halls  where  Thorsten  sits,  on  high  ! 
[THE  WARRIORS  assent,  heartily.] 

FRITHIOF 

Your  loyalty  doth  touch  me  to  the  heart ! 
The  more  that,  in  this  hour,  my  heart  is  sad, 
And  all  my  fortunes  crossed  and  hindered. 
For  I  have  met  with  grave  indignity 
At  hands  which  I  had  every  right  to  hope 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Would  be  outstretched  in  love,  to  clasp  my  own. 

I  will  not  further  try  your  patiences  ; 

It  happened  thus  ;  before  the  Kings  of  Sogn, 

As  we  agreed,  I  laid  great  Thorsten's  sword ; 

Seeking  to  join  my  father's  far-famed  arms 

To  Helge's  forces ;  and  I  then  did  sue 

For  my  sweet  Princess ;  bade  them  to  recall 

How  't  was  our  good  King  Bele's  oft-spoke  wish 

To  see  us  wedded ;  by  their  buried  sire, 

Did  strive  to  move  them  to  my  heart's  desire. 

[THE  WARRIORS  are  hushed  with  attention^ 
They  answered  me  with  pride  and  insolence. 
Dark  Helge  curled  his  crafty  lip  with  scorn 
And  bade  such  high  presumption  be  forgot 
As  sought  to  mate  with  blood  of  Odin's  line, 
A  royal  Princess  with  a  vassal's  son. 

[THE  WARRIORS  murmur,  indignantly^ 
While,  as  for  Iceland's  battles,  —  here  he  smiled 
Toward  the  younger  King,  —  he  doubted  not 
They  could  be  fought  without  such  aid  as  mine, 
But,  lest  it  should  be  said  that  they  forgot 
My  father's  service,  rendered  to  the  King, 
I  should  be  welcome  to  a  vassal's  place, 
To  serve  them  in  their  palace,  or  their  court. 

[Angry  outcries  from  THE  WARRIORS.] 
Whereat,  the  freeman's  blood  within  my  veins 
Leaped  to  avenge  its  insult,  and  I  drew 
My  sword  with  sudden  fury,  crying  out, 
"  Had  I  not  journeyed  hither,  O  proud  King, 

'3 


THE     NORSEMAN 


In  such  a  mind  as  fits  this  solemn  time, 

Filled  with  the  peace  that  lingers  o'er  the  grave, 

I  would  have  served  thee,  as  I  serve  this  shield !  " 

With  which,  I  struck  his  golden  shield  a  blow, 

The  where  it  hung,  in  state,  upon  an  oak, 

That  brought  it  crashing  downward,  cleft  in  twain, 

And  blanched  the  hue  of  royal  arrogance ! 

"  Henceforth,"  I  cried,  "  come  not  within  my  reach, 

Nor  ask  my  aid,  nor  further  tempt  my  mood  !  " 

Whence,  straight,  I  'm  come  to  Framnas,  as  you  see  ! 

[Great  excitement  among  THE  WARRIORS.    He  goes  on, 

quieting  it,  by  a  gesture^ 

My  comrades,  I  have  shown  you  all  the  truth 
In  this  unhappy  thing,  that  you  might  know 
To  what  you  pledge  yourselves,  in  following  me. 
If  there  be  any  moved  to  serve  the  King, 
1  bid  him,  with  all  friendship,  to  be  gone  ! 
Are  there,  among  you,  any  of  this  mind? 

THE  WARRIORS  [Together.'} 
No  1     [Tumult^ 

FR IT  H IO  F  [  Quieting  them.  ] 

Good  friends!     But  one  word  more!  —  Good  Friends!  — 

I  pray ! 

I  am  more  grieved  than  I  can  well  make  known, 
Even  to  you,  who  knew  my  hopes  so  well, 
And  see  them  here  dispersed  and  set  at  naught, 
That  hatred  should  arise  where  love  hath  dwelt 

14 


THE     NORSEMAN 


So  long  a  time,  and  such  a  peace  give  place 
To  such  a  quarrel !     Hardships,  labors,  wars, — 
I  never  would  have  murmured  or  turned  back  ! 
But  now,  indeed,  I  know  not  where  to  turn  ! 
These  deep  affronts  will  burn  into  my  blood, 
Till  vengeful  thoughts  infest  my  nights  and  days  ! 
Had  I  but  ready  means 

THE  WARRIORS 

For  Frith  iof! 

Call  on  us  ! 

We  follow  thee  ! 

FRITHIOF  [Above  the  confusion.} 
Good  comrades,  hear  me  speak !    Have  patience,  friends 

FIRST  WARRIOR 
He  counsels  patience  !     Is  this  Thorsten's  son? 

SECOND  WARRIOR 
What !     Shall  we  then  be  patient  of  affronts  ? 

FRITHIOF  [Answering  him.] 

Aye,  rather  than  of  such  untempered  zeal  ! 

[To  the  rest.} 

O,  Comrades,  Warriors,  ye  are  they  who  fought, 
With  Thorsten,  on  full  many  a  desperate  field  ; 
Worn  with  the  fury  of  the  open  seas ; 
Grown  grey  in  Iceland's  vigils ;  in  her  wars, 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Following  the  blade  that  flashed  so  redly  forth, 
Above  the  gloom  that  veiled  the  battle-front, 
As  Uller's  lights  array  their  streaming  spears 
'Gainst  the  thick  darkness  of  the  winter  skies ! 
Ye  were  my  father's  sinew  and  his  strength  ; 
I  am  his  son,  and  he  doth  live  in  me ! 
Unto  the  ways  of  warfare  was  I  born  ; 
Cradled  in  courage,  schooled  to  smile  on  death  ; 
And  here  I  pledge  you,  on  what  day  we  fight, 
Such  cheerful  leadership,  such  joy  in  arms, 
That  you  shall  rush  to  meet  the  oncoming  foe, 
Like  a  great  band  of  lovers  to  your  loves ! 
Ye  are  but  lately  come  from  Thorsten's  grave, 
The  solemn  dirge  still  echoes  in  your  ears ; 
For  such  a  sire,  beseech  a  worthy  son  ! 
To  gracious  Odin  let  your  prayers  ascend, 
To  guide  the  arm  that  wields  this  spotless  blade, 
Great  Angurvadel,  Lightning  of  the  North  ! 

[.Drawing  his  sword,  which  illumines  the  Hall  like  a 

Ugh  fn  ing-flash .  ] 

So  shall  our  land  secure  her  memories, 
And  ye  find  consolation  in  your  scars  ! 
King  Bele  was  my  master  and  my  friend ; 
He  loved  his  Kingdom,  and  his  sons  full  well ; 
More  than  my  life,  his  daughter  do  I  love. 
I  cannot  right,  with  sudden  turbulence, 
A  wrong  that  of  such  friendships  doth  arise  ! 
Be  patient,  nothing  doubting  of  my  zeal, 
Until  I  can  discover  some  sure  plan 

16 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Whereby,  once  more,  to  come  into  my  own. 

Go  feast  again  !     Share,  of  these  ancient  halls, 

The  long-familiar  hospitality, 

Changed,  yet  unchanged,  and,  thinking  on  the  past, 

Leave,  for  a  time,  the  present's  need  to  me  I 

FIRST  WARRIOR  [Going.} 

Why,  so  we  will !     Thou  sayest  valiantly  ! 
By  this  we  know  thou  art  thy  father's  son  I 

SECOND  WARRIOR 
Wisdom  with  courage  !     We  shall  fight  for  thee  ! 

[THE  SKALD  and  WARRIORS  go  out,  murmuring  approv~ 
al,  among  themselves} 

FRITHIOF  [To  BJORN,  who  is  going  out  with  the  rest} 

Bjorn  ! 

BJORN  [Coming  back} 

Frithiof,  thou  call'st  me  ? 

FRITHIOF 

O,  Bjorn,  Bjorn, 

My  heart  is  lead  and  ice,  within  my  breast ! 
Come,  give  me  comfort  of  thy  counsel,  friend  ! 
I  shall  go  mad  with  pondering  on  this  thing ! 
How  shall  I  mend  it!     For  you  know  my  hope 
Has  ever  been  that  I  might  come  to  be 
That,  unto  Iceland,  which  my  father  was  ! 
How  shall  I  steal  my  dove  from  out  the  nest  ? 


THE     NORSEMAN 


How  shall  I  punish  Helge's  insolence, 
Without  inflicting  on  our  little  Isle, 
A  graver  wrong  than  has  been  done  to  me  ? 
O,  think,  Bjorn,  how  slighted  they  the  past ! 
Those  happy  days  of  our  old  Master's  reign, 
That  Thorsten's  mighty  prowess  kept  secure  ! 

BJORN 

They  ruled  like  one,  great  Thorsten  and  the  King 
FRITHIOF 

They  were  like  brothers.     But  King  Bele's  sons 
Would  have  no  cousins  of  such  plain  complexion! 

BJORN 

Helge  is  full  of  dark  hypocrisy 
And  cunning  priestcraft!     He  it  is  that  stirs 
This  mischief  up,  blowing  the  idle  Prince 
Like  chaff  before  the  wind  of  his  intent ! 

FRITHIOF 

How  have  I  roused  this  envy  in  the  King  ? 

Thou  know'st  well  I  have  no  love  of  place, 

Nor  dream  of  eminence  ;  that  I  would  hang, 

With  scarce  a  sigh,  my  sword  upon  the  wall, 

And  dwell  with  peace  in  these  fair-colored  fields, — 

Could  I  transplant  my  lily  to  their  soil. 

Ah,  there  's  the  rankle  in  the  wound,  Bjorn  ! 

Why  did  they  place,  my  father  and  the  king, 

Their  two  young  children,  Ingeborg  and  me, 

18 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Beneath  one  roof,  to  grow  inseparable  ? 
O,  my  White  Rose,  my  little  Ingeborg, 
The  spirit  of  thy  youth  is  in  my  blood  ! 
The  swift  and  tender  valor  of  thy  soul 
Is  the  pure  spell  that  leads  me  on  to  bliss  ! 
My  life  thou  art,  and  he  who  takes  my  life, 
It  shall  go  hard  but  he  shall  lose  his  own  ! 
Thy  smiles,  the  light  I  never  sought  in  vain, 
That  love  lit  up  within  thy  fearless  eyes ; 
The  pressure  of  those  little  arms  of  thine 
About  my  neck,  when,  in  a  laughing  mood, 
I  bore  thee  high  across  the  mountain-brook  — 
O,  father  1     O,  King  Bele  !     Would  ye  take 
The  treasure  from  me,  ye  so  freely  gave  ? 
O,  would  ye  break  the  heart  ye  woke  in  me  ? 

{Drawing  his  sword,  in  a  frenzy  of  bitterness.} 
Great  Angurvadel,  by  thy  living  strength, 
Thou  art  no  vassal !     Thou,  at  least,  hast  drunk 
The  blood  of  Kings,  and  lain  in  Valund's  hand  ! 
Come,  Angurvadel,  we  will  take  the  North  — 
And  found  an  empire  —  and  hew  out  a  crown  ! 
Come!     Thou  and  I,  together  — 

BjORN  \_Laying  a  hand  upon  his  shoulder I\ 
Frithiof !     Pray  ! 

FRITHIOF  {Recalling  himself^ 

Bjorn  !     Forgive  me  !     I  grow  mad,  I  think, 
With  all  this  brooding  and  perplexity  ! 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Speak  to  me,  friend,  restore  me  to  myself! 

I  thirst  for  vengeance,  but  my  heart  cries  out 

That,  so,  I  may  prepare  my  love  some  hurt ! 

For  wisdom  !     So  to  bear  my  father's  sword 

That  these  sweet  valleys  and  slow-moving  herds, 

These  wooded  hill-tops  and  bright  mountain-lakes, 

May  know  no  other  shadow  than  is  cast 

Upon  their  beauty  by  the  wandering  clouds  ! 

I  seem  to  feel,  upon  my  soul,  Bjorn, 

The  weight  of  some  tumultuous  destiny 

I  must  enact,  despite  my  gentler  will ! 

Thou  saw'st,  but  now,  how  jealously  our  men 

Received  the  mention  of  this  open  wrong, 

This  public  scorn  that  turns  my  heart  to  fire  ! 

How  shall  I  cool  it  ?     Counsel  me,  Bjorn  ! 

BJORN 

Thou  know'st,  Frithiof,  I  would  give  my  life 
To  right  thy  wrongs,  —  to  serve  thee  anyway  ! 
I  'm  a  rough  soldier,  shy  of  flattering  words ; 
My  loves,  for  this,  lie  deeper  than  my  lips  ; 
And  thee,  O  chosen  comrade,  have  I  loved 
Since  that  first  morn,  when,  like  unbridled  colts, 
We  ran,  together,  joyously  afield. 
Believe  me,  Frithiof,  to  see  thee  sad, 
To  see  thee  taunted  by  a  prouder  foe 
Than  I  can  put  to  silence  with  my  sword, 
Goes  to  my  heart,  as  strong  wine  to  the  head  ! 
Let  but  dark  Helge  come  within  my  reach, 

20 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Upon  a  free-fought  field,  I'll  carve  for  thee 
So  bright  a  vengeance  on  the  prostrate  King 
As  shall  win  notice  of  the  bloodiest  ground ! 
Enough  of  this  !     Listen,  O  Frithiof, 
To  such  plain  counsel  as  I  have  to  give, — 
'T  is  taught  me  by  my  diligence  for  thee  ! 

FRITHIOF 

Good  friend,  I  know  thy  love  !     Speak  on,  Speak  on 

BJORN  \Beckoning  FRITHIOF  to  the  doorl\ 

See  yonder  captive  sea-bird,  where  she  rides 
The  leaping  waves  that  touch  her  sturdy  bow, 
And  race  along  her  shining  length  of  keel ! 

FRITHIOF  {Looking  seaward^ 
Ellida,  thou  best  ship  in  all  the  North  ! 

BJORN 

Loose  those  black  pinions,  swifter  than  the  breeze  ; 
Without  delay  for  Sognefylke  sail, — 
To-night,  the  wind  and  tide  will  favor  thee, — 
See  for  thyself,  the  Princess  Ingeborg, 
Recount  thy  wrongs,  and  let  her  counsel  thee. 

FRITHIOF 

O,  best  of  guides !     My  pulses  leap  with  joy 
At  thought  of  it !     But  Helge  keeps  her  close 

21 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Within  the  temple !     It  is  held  a  crime 
For  any  man  to  speak  to  any  maid, 
Within  the  shrine  of  Balder. 

BJORN 

There  's  the  grove  ! 

By  Krake,  Ing'borg's  maiden,  I  could  send 
A  message,  bidding  her  to  meet  thee  there. 

FRITHIOF 
And  is  this  maiden  to  be  trusted,  so  ? 

BJORN 
I  'd  stake  my  life  upon  it ! 

FRITHIOF  [Smiling.] 

What,  Bjorn  ! 

Thou,  too,  old  soldier,  cased  in  triple-mail, 
Has  Freya  found  a  maid  to  vanquish  thee  ? 

BJORN 

And  if  I  love,  my  love  must  wait  on  thine  ! 
I  've  sworn  to  share  thy  fortunes,  Frithiof ; 
As  thou  dost  fare,  so  Bjorn  will  fare  with  thee  ! 

FRITHIOF  [Moved.] 

O  brother,  how  may  I  deserve  thy  love !  — 
To-night,  we  '11  leave  our  fears  upon  the  shore  ! 


THE    NORSEMAN 


Would  night  were  come!     "Inaction"  is  a  word 
To  shake  the  firmest  hero  of  us  all ! 
Come,  let 's  go  bid  the  seamen  to  prepare 
The  ship  for  sailing! 

BJORN 

Why,  with  all  my  heart ! 
\They  go  toward  the  door.     BJORN,  who  is  in  advance, 

halts  upon  the  threshold^ 
Frithiof,  what 's  this,  two  strangers,  as  I  see 
Are  coming  hither,  through  the  birchen-wood ! 

FRITHIOF 

Wait !     Let  us  get  a  prior  look  at  them  ! 

[FRITHIOF  and  BJORN  look,  cautiously,  around  the 
door.  HILDING  and  BLAETAND  are  seen  climbing 
the  forest-fath.  HILDING  is  old  and  feeble,  and 
leans  for  support  upon  his  companion^ 

From  Sognefylke  !     Hilding,  by  my  faith  ! 
What  can  this  mean,  Bjorn  ?     We  must  be  wise  — 
And  wary !     Bring  the  board  !     A  game  of  chess 
Will  serve  to  give  our  moves  serenity  ! 

\They  hastily  set  a  chess-board,  seat  themselves,  and 
appear  to  be  absorbed  in  the  game.  HILDING  and 
BLAETAND  enterJ] 

HILDING 

Greeting,  O  Frithiof ! 

23 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[FRITHIOF  pays  no  heed.     He  is  disconcerted,  but  con 
tinues,  suavely.] 

I  am  come  in  haste, 
From  Sognefylke,  with  important  news. 

FRITHIOF  [  Without  looking  up.} 

Say'st  thou  ?     Can  aught  from  Sognefylke  bear 
Such  import  ? 

[As  HILDING  hesitates,  in  dismay.] 

Well,  say  on  !     Unfold  thy  news ! 

HILDING  [Concealing  his  annoyance] 

King  Ring,  of  Ringric,  doth  invade  our  coast ; 

Hourly  the  danger  grows  more  imminent ; 

And  I  am  sent,  O  Frithiof,  unto  thee, 

To  ask  that  thou  wilt  bring  thy  matchless  ship, 

The  far-renowned  Ellida,  with  thy  men, 

And  aid  us  to  repulse  this  enemy, 

Who,  though  an  aged,  is  a  mighty  man. 

FRITHIOF  [To  BJORN;  as  if  intent  upon  the  game] 

Bjorn,  thy  King  's  imperiled.     Take  this  pawn, 
And  scruple  not ! 

HILDING  [Angrify.] 

Thy  bearing  is  too  bold  ! 
Is  it  thy  purpose  to  affront  the  King  ? 

24 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF  [Looking  at  him,  for  the  first  time.} 
It  is  my  purpose  and  my  fondest  wish. 

HILDING  [With  a  change  of  method.} 

The  Princess  serves  in  Balder's  holy  shrine  ; 
When  told  of  Iceland's  great  necessity, 
And  peril  of  approaching  war,  she  said 
The  people's  hopes  would  all  be  fixed  on  thee. 

FRITHIOF  [To  BJORN.] 

My  Queen,  Bjdrn  !     Would'st  thou  involve  my  Queen  ? 
Come,  now  I  throw  myself  into  the  game, 
And  shall  prove  crafty  in  defense  of  her ! 

HILDING  [Thoroughly  angered.} 

I  am  too  old  to  bear  with  mockery ! 
Shall  not  my  claim  to  thine  affection  gain 
Respect,  at  least?     Some  answer  to  my  suit? 
What,  no  reply?  —  Then,  Frithiof,  fare  thee  well! 

FRITHIOF   [Rising,  and  taking  HILDING  by  both  hands.} 

Father,  my  answer  to  King  Bele's  sons 
I  have  already  made.     My  disrespect 
Was  for  thine  enterprise,  and  not  for  thee. 

[He  leads  HILDING  to  a  seat ;  they  talk,  aside} 

BjORN  [Approaching  BLAETAND.] 

Art  thou  not  Sigurd's  son  ?     And  used  we  not 
To  sport,  together,  in  bright  Aegir's  wave  ? 

25 


THE     NORSEMAN 


BLAETAND 

I  did  not  think  thou  would'st  remember  me  ! 

BJORN 

I  do  recall  thee  well.     A  saucy  boy ! 

BLAETAND  [Smiling.] 

Thou  wert  a  bold  one  !     There  were  few,  indeed, 
Who  dared  to  bait  the  little  Framnas  bear ! 

BJORN 
Wert  thou  a  friend  to  Thorsten  ? 

BLAETAND 

Who  was  not  ? 

BJORN 

Then  thou  dost  bear  his  son  no  hostile  will  ? 

BLAETAND 

Nay,  I  have  heard  but  good  of  Frithiof. 

BJORN 

For  old  times'  sake,  wilt  thou  the  bearer  be 
Of  a  brief  message  from  the  Framnas  bear, 
To  a  white  swan,  in  Sogne  ? 

26 


THE     NORSEMAN 


BLAETAND  [Smiling.] 

That  I  will !  - 
If  I  can  find  the  lovely  creature  out ! 

BJORN 

'T  is  Krake,  Ing'borg's  maiden.     Know'st  thou  her? 

BLAETAND  [Surprised.] 
I  know  her  well  ! 

BJORN 

Then  I  will  write  a  word. 
[He  goes  out.] 

HILDING  [To  FRITHIOF.] 
Reflect,  O  son  !     Is  there  no  wiser  way  ? 

FRITHIOF 
Father,  there  seems  no  other  way,  at  all. 

HILDING  [Sorrowfully.] 

So  fair  a  bud  to  know  this  early  blight ! 
Four  lovely  children,  playing  'round  my  door, — 
I  see  ye,  still !     Helge,  a  silent  boy, 
And  Halfdan,  shy  and  slender  as  a  fawn, 
Thou,  in  thine  azure  mantle,  a  full  head 
Taller  than  either,  —  and  more  kinglike,  tool 

27 


THE    NORSEMAN 


But,  ah,  the  fairest  flower  of  you  all 
Was  Ing'borg  !     Little  Ing'borg  !     Such  a  child  ! 
A  rose,  a  lily !     Who  could  paint  her  face, 
As  then  it  bloomed  upon  the  sunlit  world, 
A-dance  upon  its  little,  snowy  stem  ! 

FRITHIOF 

Enough,  good  father !     Do  not  wring  my  heart 
With  the  remembrance.     'T  was  too  sweet  a  dream 
To  outlast  childhood! 

[Including  BLAETAND.] 

Will  you  rest  yourselves, 
Take  some  refreshment,  here,  before  you  go  ? 


Nay,  son  !     Our  galley  waits  upon  the  shore. 
Rouse  not  thine  household,  for  we  must  be  gone 
As  quickly  as  we  came. 

FRITHIOF 

Your  blessing,  then, 

O  father,  for  who  knows  when  we  shall  meet 
Again,  in  this  all-transitory  world. 
\He  kneels :~\ 

HILDING   \Laying  his  hands  on  FRITHIOF'S  headJ] 

Odin  protect  thee,  my  beloved  son  ; 

Our  Father  guide  thee  to  His  lasting  good. 

28 


THE    NORSEMAN 


[He  raises  FRITHIOF,  and  they  go  out,  together,  slowly, 
by  the  same  door  through  which  HILDING  and 
BLAETAND  came,  as  BJORN  re-enters.~\ 

BJORN  [To  BLAETAND.] 
Here  is  the  letter  !     You  '11  deliver  it  ? 

BLAETAND 

As  sure  as  I  set  foot  upon  the  shore  ! 

[They  go  out,  together,  in  conversation.  From  the  door- 
yard,  FRITHIOF  and  BJORN  watch  HILDING  and 
BLAETAND  depart.~\ 

FRITHIOF  and  BJO'RN  [Re-entering^ 

Farewell,  good  Hilding! 

Blaetand,  fare  thee  well  1 

FRITHIOF 

Now,  with  what  heart  shall  we  set  out,  Bjorn  ! 
O  all  ye  tides,  and  all  ye  favoring  gales, 
Advance  my  hopes,  and  fill  my  eager  sails ! 


CURTAIN 


29 


THE     NORSEMAN 


ACT  II 

SCENE  i.  At  Sognefylke.  The  holy  grove  of  Balder.  In 
the  background,  the  temple.  Before  it,  in  a  little  clear- 
ingi  a  great  oak,  with  gnarled  trunk  and  spreading 
branches.  The  clearing  is  surrounded  by  thick  under 
woods.  It  is  night.  HELGE  and  THE  HIGH  PRIEST 
enter. 

HELGE  [In.  a  low  voice.} 
How  came  you  by  this  news  ? 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Why,  't  was  by  chance  ! 

Some  of  our  younger  brothers  went  to  bathe, 
At  daylight,  in  the  sea.     Returning  home, 
They  passed  before  the  temple,  and  beheld 
Blaetand,  the  son  of  Sigurd,  in  close  talk 
With  Krake,  as  she  spread  the  Princess'  robes 
To  bleach  upon  the  grass ;  and  saw  her  take 
A  letter  from  his  hand.     Thereafter,  came 
The  Princess  unto  me,  and  begged  to  keep 
The  altar-vigil  quite  alone,  to-night, 
Save  for  her  maiden.     Viewing  all  these  things 
With  great  suspicion,  I  have  sent  to  thee 
Thrice,  before  now,  but  found  thee  not  at  court. 

3° 


THE    NORSEMAN 


HELGE 

Thou  hast  done  well !     'T  is  most  significant ! 
This  Blaetand  went  with  Hilding,  yesterday, 
To  Frithiof's  house.     If  I  could  trap  them,  here  !  — 
Hast  thou,  say,  half  a  score  of  stalwart  men 
Who  will,  to-night,  keep  watch  upon  this  wood  ? 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Yes,  Sire  !     Such  as  proudly  will  obey 
Thy  royal  bidding ! 

HELGE 

Then  assemble  them 
With  all  despatch  !     The  night  wears  on  apace  ! 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Sire,  at  once  !     I  pray  thee,  come  this  way! 

[HELGE    and   THE    HIGH    PRIEST   go    out.      Enter 
FRITHIOF  and  BJORN,  cautiously^ 

FRITHIOF 

This  is  the  hour  when  they  should  meet  us  here  ! 

How  still  the  grove  and  darkened  temple  lie  ! 

Thou  dost  not  think  that  Blaetand  could  have  failed  ?  — 

BJORN  [Interrupting  him.'] 

Nay,  look  !     Is  that  a  light  within  the  shrine  ? 
[A  faint  light  appears  within  the  temple.~\ 

31 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF 

We  '11  hide  ourselves  !     Some  priest  may  be  astir ! 

\They   conceal  themselves.     KRAKE  comes,  cautiously, 
out  of  the  temple '.] 

KRAKE  [  In  a  whisper.} 
Bjorn  ? 

[BJORN  and  FRITHIOF  show  themselves.} 

BJORN 
Krake,  we  're  here  !     Is  all  the  world  asleep  ? 

KRAKE 

As  sound  as  Rinda  !     \To  BJORN.]    Blaetand  brought  thy 

word 

At  morning,  and  the  Princess  made  request 
That  she  and  I  might  tend  the  altar-fire, 
To-night,  together,  offering  special  prayer 
For  Iceland's  safe  deliverance  from  her  foe. 

[They  smile.     To  FRITHIOF.] 
Sir,  I  will  go  and  bring  the  Princess  hither ! 

FRITHIOF 

Do  so,  with  every  caution  and  despatch ! 
Thou  art  a  faithful  maiden  ! 

[KRAKE  goes  into  the  temple  and  returns  with  INGE- 
BORG,  who  hastens  to  FRITHIOF.] 

32 


THE    NORSEMAN 


INGEBORG    {Holding  FRITHIOF  by  the  hand;  to  BJORN.] 

Good  Bjorn, 
Art  thou  a  friend  to  us  in  this,  as  ever  ? 

BJORN 

Madam,  till  death  and  after ! 

INGEBORG 

Staunchly  said  ! 
Do  thou  and  Krake  watch  without  the  wood ! 

BJORN 

We  go,  at  once !    [To  FRITHIOF.]  If  any  come  this  way 
Krake  will  warn  thee. 

FRITHIOF 

Good  1     Be  vigilant ! 
[BJORN  and  KRAKE  go  out.~\ 

INGEBORG 

O  Best  Beloved,  art  thou  come  at  last  ? 

FRITHIOF  [Taking  her  in  his  arms.] 
Think  what  "at  last"  to  thee,  must  seem  to  me  ! 

INGEBORG  [Smiling  tenderly.] 
Vain  Heart,  dost  thou  lay  claim  to  loving  most  ? 
33 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF 

I  have  loved  longer!     Thou  can'st  not  deny 
I  dreamed  of  thee,  ere  thou  did'st  dream  of  me  ! 

INGEBORG 

Ah,  Love,  but  I  did  dream  myself  awake, 
Hearing  thy  voice,  that  called  me,  in  my  sleep  ! 

FRITHIOF 

So  love  is  born,  the  hour  that  gave  him  birth 
Shall  not  concern  us !     O,  my  Life  and  Breath, 
So  we  are  one,  what  matters  all  the  rest  ? 

\_After  a  moment ;  leading  her  to  a  seat  among  the  roots 
of  the  oak-tree,  on  the  side  concealed  from  the  tempi e.~\ 
Sit  here,  my  Princess,  on  this  lowly  throne, 
And  listen  to  thy  least  of  worshippers, 
Who  has  a  weight  of  words  upon  his  heart, 
That  must  be  uttered  in  a  winged  hour! 

INGEBORG 

O  Sweet,  say  on  !     For  time  runs  furiously 
Away,  when  thou  and  I  but  look  on  him ! 

FRITHIOF 

Hast  thou  heard  aught  of  how  thy  brothers  met 
The  offer  of  my  aid,  and  scorned  my  suit 
For  thy  dear  hand  ? 

34 


THE     N  O  R  S  E  M  A N 


INGEBORG 

Oh,  I  have  heard  !     And,  Love, 
My  heart  so  burned  to  'venge  thy  treacherous  hurt, 
That  half  I  feared  it  would  consume  itself ! 
I  would  have  sent  to  thee,  but  have  no  friend, 
Save  Krake,  I  would  dare  to  trust  so  far. 

FRITHIOF 

O  thou  most  blessed,  generous  champion  ! 

Ingeborg,  I  fear  no  fate  in  all  the  world, 

Save  that  some  fate  may  part  us  !     I  have  had, 

Of  late,  a  cruel  vision,  in  my  sleep, 

Of  being  sundered  from  thee,  hopelessly, 

By  some  rude  trick  of  baleful  destiny, 

And,  from  my  separate  exile,  I  have  waked 

With  tear-blind  eyes,  and  clenched,  despoiled  hands  ! 

INGEBORG  [/«  alarm,  soothing  him.] 

Nay,  dearest,  speak  not  so  !     The  gods  may  hear ! 
Yet  't  is  not  strange  that,  'twixt  these  stressful  days, 
You  should  have  dreamed  so,  for  your  daytime  thoughts 
Were  filled  with  pondering  on  our  unfixed  fate, 
And  sleep,  that  drugs  the  will,  did  but  unleash 
The  fears  your  waking  self  was  master  of. 

FRITHIOF 

O  little  hand,  O  little,  starry  hand, 

To  bear  such  certain  soothing  in  a  touch  ! 

35 


THE    NORSEMAN 


Yet  for  this  very  purpose  am  I  come, — 

That  this  small  hand  may  put  great  fears  to  rest ! 

Bravest  and  truest,  wilt  thou  come  away, 

Before  the  sun  shall  wake  this  fitful  world 

To  one  more  day  of  our  uncertainty  ? 

Our  good  ship  frets  at  anchor,  in  the  bay ; 

The  tide  's  at  flood,  and  she  will  bear  us  far 

From  all  pursuers,  to  bright,  southern  shores, 

Where  I  shall  found  a  kingdom,  for  my  Queen, 

More  rich  and  rare  than  any  Northern  throne, 

We  are  beset  by  desperate  circumstance, 

Grave  war  impends,  and  threatens  our  escape ; 

To  halt  in  our  design,  may  mean  to  lose 

All  that  makes  man  and  woman  godlike,  free, — 

Yea,  all  life's  hope  of  best  and  tenderest. 

Dear,  thou  wilt  come  ?     Thou  wilt  adventure  so, 

With  one  whose  life  doth  hang  upon  thy  love  ? 

INGEBORG 
To-day  and  now,  Beloved  of  my  Soul ! 

FRITHIOF 
Seems,  then,  "to-day"  a  day  too  soon  for  love? 

INGEBORG 

Nay,  dear  my  lord,  to  love's  impatient  sense, 

Seconds  seem  ages  that  delay  our  bliss  ! 

Yet,  —  were  we  leaving  any  way  untried 

That  seems  less  headlong!     Frithiof,  thinkest  thou 

My  brothers'  wills  might  ever  softened  be  ? 

36 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF 
Never  to  give  consent  to  thee  and  me. 

INGE  BO  RG  [Rising.] 

Then  come,  bright  day,  and  smile  upon  a  love 
Too  strong  for  fate  to  sunder  or  compel !     [To  FRITHIOF.] 
Through  all  the  world,  beyond  the  farthest  sea, 
Whither  thou  goest,  I  will  go  with  thee  ! 

FRITHIOF  [Embracing  her,  rapturously.] 
Now  am  I  made  of  all  Earth's  sons  most  blest! 

[Taking  from  his  arm  a  ring  of  massive  and  antique 
pattern,  surmounted  by  a  cluster  of  rubies  ^\ 

Dear  Bride,  Pure  Soul,  put  on  this  golden  ring. 
Long  has  it  been  an  heirloom  in  my  race ; 
'T  is  said  that  Valund  forged  and  fashioned  it ; 
Heroes  have  worn  it,  magic  is  its  power. 
'T  will  serve  as  pledge  and  symbol  of  our  love, — 
The  shining  circle  of  our  minds  and  souls, 
Lit  with  the  fiery  jewels  of  our  blood  ! 
[He  places  the  ring  on  her  arm.'] 

INGEBORG 

When  I  part  from  it  may  my  frame  be  cold, 

And  blind  my  vision  to  this  mortal  scene  ! 

[The  first ';  faint  light  begins  to  appear  in  the  East.     A 
bird  twitters^] 

37 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF  [Startled.] 

Day  dawns  !     Make  haste,  O  Sunlight  of  my  Soul ! 
Thy  faithful  Krake  '11  go  with  thee  ! 

INGEBORG    [Smiling.} 
It  is  most  certain,  —  for  she  loves  Bjorn  ! 

FRITHIOF 

Scarce  more  than  thee,  I  'd  swear !     I  '11  fetch  them  both. 
Hast  thou  a  heavy  mantle  ?     It  is  cold 
Within  the  galley,  on  the  morning  sea. 

INGEBORG  [Going.} 
I  '11  get  a  few  necessities  together. 

FRITHIOF 
Dearest,  make  haste  !     The  light  grows  all  too  fast ! 

INGEBORG 

I  shall  be  ready  when  you  come  again  ! 

[She  goes  into  the  temple.  FRITHIOF  runs  off  in  the 
direction  BJORN  and  KRAKE  have  taken.  A  com 
pany  of  THE  PRIESTS  of  Balder,  led  by  HELGE  and 
THE  HIGH  PRIEST,  silently  enter,  and  surround  the 
clearing} 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST  [To  HELGE.] 
Sire,  they  are  returning,  hide  thyself ! 

38 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HELGE  [To  THE  PRIESTS.] 

Remember  to  disarm  them  suddenly  ! 

[All  conceal  themselves  in  ambush.     FRITHIOF,  BJORN, 
and  KRAKE  re-enter.'] 

KRAKE  [Anxiously.] 
Did  you  not  hear  a  sound  within  the  wood  ? 

BJORN  \Re-assuringly ^ 
Why,  waking  woods  are  full  of  rustling  sound  ! 

KRAKE 

Nay,  this  was  different !     It  grows  too  light ! 
Conceal  yourselves  within  the  temple-gate, 
While  I  go  fetch  my  mistress  !     Come  this  way  ! 

BJORN 

'T  is  sacrilege  for  us  to  enter  there  ! 

FRITHIOE 

We  '11  take  thy  maid's  good  counsel !     Come,  Bjorn  ! 
Great  Balder  is  the  god  of  human  joy, 
And  pure  loves  will  not  offend  his  shrine. 

[FRITHIOF,  BJORN,  and  KRAKE,  enter  the  temple.    THE 
PRIESTS  draw  closer,  in  waiting.     It  grows  lighter^ 

39 


THE     NORSEMAN 


THE  HIGH  PRIEST  [In  a  low  voice.] 

Be  ready,  now  !     The  King  will  give  the  sign  ! 

[FRITHIOF  and  INGEBORG,  BJORN  and  KRAKE  re-enter, 
ready  for  flight ;  the  women  are  closely  veiled,  and 
wrapped  in  dark  mantles.] 

INGEBORG  [Turning,  for  a  last  look  at  the  temple.} 

Farewell,  Bright  Balder,  may  thy  blessing  fall 
On  us,  thy  homeless  children,  faring  forth 
To  love's  divine  adventure  ! 

[  They  all  turn,  reverently,  toward  the  temple.  As  they 
do  so,  HELGE  steps  out,  behind  them,  giving  the 
signal  to  THE  PRIESTS.  They  throw  themselves  upon 
FRITHIOF  and  BJORN,  who  struggle  fiercely,  but  are 
overcome  by  numbers,  and  the  suddenness  of  the  at 
tack,  and  bound,  before  they  can  draw  their  swords. 
As  THE  PRIESTS  form  a  circle  around  their  prisoners, 
and  the  two  women,  who  cling  to  them,  panic-stricken, 
the  sun  rises  in  full  splendour,  and  the  birds  begin  to 
sing,  in  the  forest] 

HELGE  [To  FRITHIOF,  tauntingly] 

How  now,  young  braggart,  thou  who  would'st  defend 
Our  Kingdom  with  the  might  of  thy  strong  arm  ? 
Had'st  thou  not  wit  enough  to  steal  a  maid 
From  these  unwarlike  zealots,  holy  men, 
Whose  lives  are  spent  in  quietude  and  prayer  ? 

40 


THE     NORSEMAN 


A  poor  accounting  for  a  hero  !     Come ! 

Could'st  thou  not  keep  thy  booty  with  that  sword 

Which,  in  thy  speech,  was  so  invincible  ? 

FRITHIOF 

This  hour  is  thine,  O  Helge  !     It  may  be, 

An  hour  will  dawn  when  I  shall  answer  thee  !    \_Furious ly.~\ 

Loose  but  these  bonds,  and  I  will  drive  thy  crew 

Of  hangdog  priests,  before  thee,  to  the  sea, 

To  drown  like  rats  !     Yea,  with  this  single  sword  ! 

\In  a  frenzy  of  helpless  anger J] 
Thou  dar'st  not,  Helge  !     Dar'st  not  set  me  free  ! 

HELGE 

Peace,  ruffian  !     \To  INGEBORG,  grimly.~\ 
Now,  fair  sister,  come  with  me  ! 

[Zfe  pulls  her  away  from  FRITHIOF,  and  THE  PRIESTS 
close  in  around  the  prisoners,  as  the  curtain  falls :] 


CURTAIN 


THE     N  O  R  S  E  M  A  N 


SCENE  2.  The  sea-coast  near  Sognefylke ;  a  stormy  sunset, 
at  the  end  of  the  same  day.  A  twelve-oared  galley  is 
drawn  up  on  the  beach.  The  Ellida  is  not  seen. 

HELGE  and  HALFDAN  enter.       HALFDAN,  a  slender 
youth,  carries  a  falcon  on  his  wrist. 

HALFDAN  {Petulantly^ 

I  '11  have  no  words  with  these  malignant  hags ! 
HELGE 

I  will  instruct  them.     Be  more  satisfied  ! 
Statescraft  does  not  absorb  thee  overmuch ! 
I  would  thy  sports  were  sterner ! 

HALFDAN    [Impatiently^ 

Dost  thou  so  ? 

And  I  that  thine  were  less  mischievous  !     Come  ! 
I  do  not  like  this  mixture  of  thy  brew, — 
Witchcraft,  and  spying  priests  in  ambuscade  1 
Frithiof  was  e'er  an  honest  lad,  enow, 
Why  not  pronounce  him  banished,  honestly  ? 

HELGE  [Sternly.} 

And  loose  the  foremost  foeman  in  the  North 
Against  our  Kingdom  ?     Folly  sits  most  plain 
In  lofty  places  !     Why,  thou  silly  boy, 
Iceland  would  be  in  arms  for  Frithiof, 

42 


THE     NORSE  M  A  N 


Ere  Halfdan  could  exchange  his  hunting-spear 
For  stouter  weapons  !     Thorsten  was  the  source 
Of  Iceland's  valor  ;   Frithiof  bears  his  bow  ; 
Ere  he  can  bend  it,  we  must  vanquish  him  ! 

HALFDAN 
He  would  have  cast  his  vantage  in  thy  scale. 

HELGE 

And  robbed  me,  after,  of  pre-eminence  ! 
Of  such  pretensions  will  I  strip  him  bare, 
And  cast  him  forth  like  scum  upon  the  tide  ! 

HALFDAN 

I  would  not  be  my  brother's  enemy  ! 

HELGE  [  With  meaning.^ 

See  to  it,  then,  that  thou  remain'st  his  friend  ! 

Keep  to  thy  falcon-flying !     I  will  steer 

Our  ship  of  state  among  these  transient  shoals. 

HALFDAN 

'T  would  take  small  wit  to  presage  for  the  barque 
A  tortuous  passage! 

HELGE 

Peace  !     Who  comes  this  way  ? 

43 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HALFDAN  \ReeonnoiteringI\ 

Methinks  they  are  the  beauteous  maids  with  whom 
We  have  an  assignation.     Now,  Sir  King ! 

\_He  throws  himself  on  the  shingle,  and  gives  his  atten 
tion  to  teasing  the  falcon.  HELGE  turns  away,  with 
an  angry  gesture,  to  meet  HAM  and  HEID,  who  enter. 
HAM  is  gaunt  and  tall,  with  streaming  hair  and 
fluttering  rags.  HEID  is  squat,  and  hoary  with  age, 
gnarled  and  bent  into  grot<sque  postures.] 

HELGE 

How  now,  good  dames  ?     Are  you  inclined  to  serve 
Your  King,  discreetly,  with  your  magic  arts  ? 

HAM 

Sire,  an  we  may. 

HEID 

An  it  should  be  a  case 
Wherein  our  arts  may  serve  thee. 

HELGE 

Such  it  is. 

You  know  how  Frithiof,  Thorsten's  lawless  son, 
Was  found,  at  morn,  in  Balder's  holy  grove, 
Wooing  the  Princess  at  the  very  shrine. 

44 


THE     NORSEMAN 


He  has  been  sentenced,  for  this  sacrilege, 
To  sail,  to-night,  bound  for  the  Faroe  Isles, 
There  to  collect  a  tribute,  from  their  Earl, 
That  formerly  was  paid  to  Iceland's  King. 

[Pointing  off  stage.'] 
His  ship  lies  in  the  offing,  rigged  to  sail ! 

THE  WITCHES 

Ho,  Ho!     A  wily  King! 

A  crafty  Prince  ! 
[They  distort  themselves  with  laughter,] 

HALFDAN  '[From  his  couch,  on  the  sand ;  with 
feigned  humility.] 

Nay,  worthy  charmers  !     Softly,  by  your  leaves  ! 
It  was  our  brother's  plan  !     I  would  not  seem 
To  deck  myself  in  borrowed  artifice. 

HELGE  [Sternly.] 

Peace,  trifler !     [To  THE  WITCHES.]     Prithee,  save  your 

merriment 
For  some  more  sportive  and  more  fit  occasion. 

HAM  [Fawning.] 

Sire,  if  we  were  merry,  't  was  to  think 

How  soundly  thou  had'st  dealt  with  this  young  knave. 

45 


THE     NORSE  M  A  N 


HEID  [Chuckling.} 

To  take,  with  twenty  men,  from  the  proud  Yarl, 
Angantyr,  tribute  which  has  not  been  paid 
Since  antique  times  !     There  '11  not  be  left  so  much 
As  hide  or  hair  of  any  of  his  crew ! 

HELGE   [Darkly.] 

Of  that  I  would  make  surer !     Frithiof  bears 
A  magic  sword,  and  steers  a  charmed  ship  ! 
Warfare  is  full  of  fortunes  and  escapes 
Miraculous,  attended  by  the  gods  ! 

[To  HEID  ;  fiercely} 

Hast  thou  a  spell  to  raise  the  ocean-bed, 
And  bid  it  sink  again,  sucking  all  things 
Less  than  itself  into  a  maelstrom  dark 
Of  sure  annihilation  ? 

HEID  [Gloating.} 

Such  a  storm, 
My  arts  can  summon  up  ! 

HELGE  [To  HAM.] 

Can'st  thou  array 
All  the  relentless  forces  of  the  air 
Against  the  strength  of  man,  till  ships  are  strewn 
Upon  the  hungry  waters,  horribly  ? 

46 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HAM   [Exulting.] 
Such  havoc  can  I  loose  upon  the  void ! 

HELGE  {Dropping  his  voice.] 

Frithiof,  but  now,  has  promised  to  set  sail 
At  sundown,  be  the  weather  foul  or  fair ; 
Call  up  a  storm  that  shall  make  sure  his  death, 
And  I  '11  reward  your  cunning,  liberally. 

THE  WITCHES  [Greedily.] 

What  shall  we  have  ? 

What  shall  our  payment  be? 

HELGE 

Gold,  gold,  and  gold  again,  and  yet  more  gold ! 

[Aside.] 
Hate  makes  a  spendthrift  of  a  frugal  man  ! 

THE  WITCHES 

Sire,  't  is  done  ! 

We  '11  do  thy  royal  will ! 

HALFDAN  [Rising  with  a  shudder^ 

I  have  no  mind  or  temper  for  such  means 
To  dire  ends  !     The  gods  be  merciful ! 

47 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[HELGE  and  HALFDAN  stand  aside.  THE  WITCHES, 
after  a  glance  at  the  sky,  grimace  at  each  other,  and 
draw  two  circles  in  the  sand,  within  which  they  carve 
runes,  with  their  staffs.  They  begin  a  weird  dance. 
It  grows  darker^ 

HAM   [Chanting.} 

Gust,  and  squall,  and  biting  gale 
Fret  and  tear  the  Norseman's  sail ; 
Tempest  fierce  and  hurricane, 
Dive  into  the  pallid  main, 
And  with  dreadful  pinions  sweep 
Billows  high  as  hell  is  deep ; 
Powers  of  death,  bestride  the  wave, 
To  his  dim,  unfathomed  grave 
Draw  the  luckless  seaman  down, 
Like  a  trap-held  rat  to  drown. 

[Threatening  masses  of  cloud  begin  to  drive  across  the 
sky.] 

[HEID    Chanting.'] 

Gloom  and  horrid  darkness  spread 
O'er  the  Norseman's  fated  head  ; 
Numbing  cold  and  stinging  hail 
Freeze  his  blood  and  tear  his  sail ; 
Ashen  mists  obscure  his  way  ; 
Thunder  roll  and  lightning  play  ; 
Demons  fright  his  desperate  crew 

48 


THE     NORSEMAN 


With  phantom  shapes  and  terrors  new ; 
Cast  his  barque,  with  fatal  shock 
On  the  sharp  and  rending  rock, 
Whelmed  and  done,  to  fill  and  sink, 
O'er  the  whirlpool's  yawning  brink. 

[The  sea  rises.  Lightning  and  distant  thunder.  HALF- 
DAN  buries  his  face  in  his  doak.~\ 

HELGE 

How  now,  thou  craven  Prince?     Hold  up  thy  head! 

'T  is  not  thy  knell  these  ghostly  sibyls  sound  ! 

Here  comes  the  Court !     Now,  show  thyself  a  man  ! 

[HALFDAN  recovers  himself.  THE  WITCHES  go  out. 
FRITHIOF,  BJORN,  and  MARINERS,  led  by  THE 
PRIESTS  of  Balder,  enter,  followed  by  HUNVOR, 
INGEBORG,  KRAKE,  HILDING,  BLAETAND,  and 
COURTIERS.  FRITHIOF  and  BJORN  are  still  bound. 
The  sun  sets,  as  the  procession  approaches,  and  the 
storm  begins  to  increase  in  violence.  HALFDAN  gives 
the  falcon  to  a  pagc.~\ 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Sire,  the  prisoner  has  agreed  to  pay 
The  penalty  thy  mercy  doth  impose. 

HELGE  [To  FRITHIOF.] 

Wilt  thou  embark,  at  once,  upon  this  quest, 
Pledging  thine  oath  that  thou  wilt  not  return 
To  Iceland,  till  this  tribute  is  secured  ? 

49 


THE    NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF 

Shall  I  be  freely  pardoned,  if  I  do 
Succeed  in  this  ? 

HELGE 

All  will  be  pardoned  thee. 

FRITHIOF 

Loose,  then,  these  bonds,  and  we  '11  essay  the  task ! 
[THE  PRIESTS  release  FRITHIOF  and  BJORN.] 

FIRST  MARINER  [To  FRITHIOF  ;  aside.} 

We  shall  take  death  aboard,  if  we  embark 
In  such  a  gale  ! 

SECOND  MARINER  [Aside.] 

Good  master,  be  advised  ! 

FRITHIOF  [To  THE  MARINERS.] 

My  word  is  pledged.     Our  Warriors  are  on  board. 
If  ye  fear  death,  withdraw  from  this  emprise, 
If  not,  go  launch  the  galley  with  all  speed. 

[THE  MARINERS  go  down  to  the  shore,  and  prepare  to 
launch  the  galley.     The  storm  increases  in  fury} 

5° 


INGEBORG  [Throwing  herself,  suddenly,  on  her  knees, 
before  HELGE.] 

Brother,  a  little  mercy  !     In  this  sky  ? 
Delay  them  till  to-morrow  !     Be  implored  ! 
Sweet  brother,  till  to-morrow !     I  '11  engage 
My  life  upon  their  going  ! 

HELGE  [Dragging  her,  roughly,  to  her  feet '.] 

Wayward  girl ! 

Thou  frail  betrayer  of  thy  sacred  trust, 
And  queenly  office,  get  thee  from  my  sight ! 
Lest  I  withdraw,  in  looking  on  thy  shame, 
The  mercy  I  have  shown  ! 

\_He  pushes  her  from  him.  She  is  received  into  the 
arms  of  KRAKE.  FRITHIOF  is  restrained,  by 
BJORN,  from  drawing  his  sword  against  HELGE. 
To  FRITHIOF.] 

And  now,  begone, 

Thou  ravisher  of  shrines  !     Thou  plotter  thou  ! 
Thou  foul  blasphemer  of  the  most  high  gods  ! 

FRITHIOF  [Proudly^ 
I  have  blasphemed  no  god,  nor  wronged  no  shrine. 

HELGE 

Why,  now,  thou  lay'st  a  lie  upon  thy  sin  ! 
We  took  thee  in  the  very  temple-gate ! 

51 


T  HE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF 

Temples  are  man-made  stuff!     The  gods  do  dwell 
In  honest  hearts,  in  fields,  and  tranquil  air ; 
Where'er  good  actions  are,  the  gods  are  there  ! 

[To  INGEBORG.] 

Farewell,  dear  love,  dear  life,  dear  bride,  dear  friend  i 
Nay,  grieve  not  so  !     I  shall  behold  again 
Thy  face  illumed  with  joy  !     Faith  tells  rne  so ! 

\To  HILDING,  putting  INGEBORG  into  his  arms.] 
Father,  thy  child  !     Good  Krake,  fare  thee  well ! 

\He  runs  down  to  the  shore,  and  leaps  into  the  galley '.] 

BJORN  \To  KRAKE.] 
Sweet  girl,  keep  faith  !     Think  on  thy  rough  Bjorn  ! 

KRAKE 

As  I  do  live,  I  '11  never  love  but  thee  ! 

[BjORN  follows  FRITHIOF.  The  galley  is  launched, 
through  the  surf,  with  great  difficulty.  KRAKE 
waves  them  a  farewell,  and  tries  to  encourage  INGE 
BORG,  who  is  weeping,  bitterly,  in  HILDING'S  arms. 
As  the  boat  disappears,  the  company  follow,  to  the 
water's  edge.  The  storm  reaches  its  height^\ 

HALFDAN 

How  do  they  live,  at  all,  in  such  a  sea  ? 
52 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HUNVOR 

They  will  not  reach  the  ship  ! 

[A  blinding  and  terrible  thunder-bolt '.] 

Great  Thor  defend  ! 

A  CONFUSION  OF  VOICES 

The  boat  is  gone  ! 

The  ship  is  swallowed  up  ! 
They  're  lost ! 

God's  mercy  on  them  ! 

Woeful  fate  ! 

[A  blinding  mist  settles  down  over  the  sea.  The  storm 
begins  to  subside^ 

INGEBORG  {Confronting  HEI.GE.] 

Now  curses  be  upon  thee  and  thy  house  ! 
Be  thou  undone,  as  thou  hast  dealt  with  me  ! 
Make  me  thy  bride,  O  Aegir ! 

[She  attempts  to  throiv  herself  into  the  sea,  but  is 
deterred  by  HILDING  and  HALFDAN,  who  lay  her 
down,  in  a  swoon,  at  the  feet  of  HELGE.] 

HELGE  \Lifting  INGEBORG'S  arm,  which  has  become 
bared,  in  the  struggle^ 

Hunvor,  see  ! 

What  ring  is  this  ?     Yon  dead  man's  lover's  pledge  ? 
Here,  keep  it  safe  ! 

S3 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[ffe  takes  the  ring  from  INGERORG'S  arm,  and  gives  it 
to  HUNVOR.     To  HALFDAN  and  HILDING.] 
Come,  bear  the  maid  away  ! 

[HALFDAN  and  HILDING  bear  out  the  insensible  body  of 
INGEBORG,  followed  by  KRAKE,  weeping,  and  THE 
PRIESTS  and  COURTIERS.] 


CURTAIN 


54 


THE    NORSEMAN 


ACT    III 

SCENE  i.  A  road  near  Sognefylkc.  Midsummer.  Enter 
a  procession  of  THE  PRIESTS  of  Balder,  in  festal  robes, 
and  carrying  garlands,  on  their  way  to  the  grove  of 
Balder,  to  hold  the  midsummer  feast.  They  arc  led 
by  THE  HIGH  PRIEST  and  HELGE. 

THE  HIGH   PRIEST  {Halting  the  procession.'} 

Here,  are  the  woods  well  grown  with  underbrush  1 
Disperse,  I  pray,  and  gather  what  you  can 
To  feed  great  Balder's  bale-fire,  for  its  flame 
Must  leap  as  high  as  the  midsummer  heaven, 
To  show  His  glory,  and  declare  His  praise  ! 

[THE  PRIESTS  scatter,  obediently,  through  the  woods,  to 
cut  fagots.  HELGE  and  THE  HIGH  PRIEST  talk, 
aside.'] 

HELGE 

What  was  this  sail  thou  did'st  report  to  me, 
Having  been  sighted  by  some  fishermen, 
Without  the  bay,  at  sunrise  ? 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Why,  't  was  said 

To  be  a  dragon-ship  of  monstrous  size, 
Veiled  in  the  mists  of  morning,  phantom-wise. 

55 


THE    NORSEMAN 


But,  Sire,  thou  knowest  that  our  simple  folk 

Are  filled  with  superstition,  and  do  set 

A  demon-shape  astride  of  every  whale  ! 

I  doubt  me  not  that  't  was  some  merchant-ship, 

That  loomed  mysterious,  in  the  dawning  light, 

Above  their  little  prows,  a-frighting  them  ! 

HELGE  [In  a  low  voice.'] 

Answer  me  truly.     Saw'st  thou  Frithiof's  ship 
Go  down  at  sea  ? 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Why,  so  it  seemed  to  do ! 
The  mist  so  thickly  walled  it  all  about, 
I  saw  it  in  the  lightning's  sudden  glare, 
And  then  I  saw  it  not !     The  people  cried 
The  ship  was  lost!     Sire,  —  what  thinkest  thou? 

HELGE   [Grimly.] 

I  think  that  it  was  lost,  —  and  must  remain 
Within  the  deepest  hollows  of  the  sea  ! 
Less  do  I  dread  that  Frithiof's  ghost  should  walk, 
Than  that  this  brawling  fellow  should  return, 
To  find  his  mistress  wedded  to  King  Ring, 
And  that  our  flames  had  eaten  up  his  house  ! 
For  then  would  he  bring  down  upon  our  realm 
Such  dire  retaliation  and  revolt, 

56 


THE     NORSEMAN 


As,  weakened  by  this  ill-starred  war  with  Ring, 
Our  royal  forces  scarce  could  cope  withal. 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

King  Ring  is  now  thine  ally,  and  would  send 
Thee  aid,  in  such  a  threatening  circumstance  ! 

HELGE 

I  cannot  trust  our  sister  to  fulfil 
A  wifely  part  that  will  content  him,  long ! 
That  maiden  hath  a  strong,  continuous  will 
Toward  what  she  loves.     From  childhood  was  it  so 
And  I  do  sometimes  wake  and  sweat,  at  night, 
Thinking  I  hear  the  trumpets  of  King  Ring 
Announce,  in  her,  some  contumacious  act, 
Or  sudden  rashness,  that  shall  end  our  truce  ! 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST 

Nay,  Sire,  think  not  so  !     Take  heart,  I  pray  1 
We  '11  raise  a  chant,  and  be  upon  our  way ! 
He  who  doth  serve  the  gods,  the  gods  serve  well, 
And  shall  cast  down  his  enemies  to  hell. 

HELGE 

Thy  wise  and  holy  council  I  '11  obey. 

[To  himself^ 
Yet  I  do  feel  a  cloud  upon  this  day  I 

57 


THE     NORSEMAN 


THE  HIGH   PRIEST    {Calling  to  THE  PRIESTS  ;  who 
return,  laden  with  fagots.] 

Brothers  !     Good  brothers  !     We  '11  upon  our  way  ! 

[As  they  re-form,  in  a  procession^ 
Come,  raise  a  chant  to  Him  whom  we  adore  ! 

THE  PRIESTS  [Chanting.-] 

Brightness  of  the  risen  sun, 

Thee  we  worship,  Thee  we  praise, 

Glory  of  the  day  that ' s  done, 
Songs  to  Thee  we  'II  raise  I 

Master,  Maker,  Warmth,  and  foy, 

Giver  of  all  Life,  we  pray, 
Weave  Thy  garland,  and  Thy  crown, 

Of  our  souls,  this  day  ! 

[They  go  out,  chanting.  HILDING^TZ^BLAETAND  enter. 
HILDING  has  aged,  visibly.  He  holds  FRITHIOF'S 
dog,  Bran,  a  deerhound,  in  leashJ] 


I  knew  his  sail  when  yet  it  was  far  off, 

No  man  those  sombre  pinions  might  mistake  ! 

But,  first,  I  thought  it  was  a  phantom  ship, 

A  spectral  craft,  manned  by  a  ghostly  crew, 

Whose  helmsman  was  arisen  from  the  dead, 

To  wreak  some  frightful  vengeance  on  the  King  ! 

58 


THE     NORSEMAN 


You  say  't  is  Frithiof  ?     Frithiof,  in  the  flesh  ? 
My  little  lad  come  back  ?     Speak  certainly  ! 

BLAETAND 


'T  is  Frithiof  in  the  flesh  !     I  saw  his  crew 
Debark,  and  watched  them,  from  a  vantage  point, 
As  thou  did'st  bid  me.     Not  a  man  is  lost, 
And  all  seem  most  exultant  in  their  mood. 
Bjorn  and  Frithiof  like  two  schoolboys  played, 
Their  men-at-arms  seemed  no  less  jubilant. 
I  tarried  till  I  saw  them  take  the  road, 
And  then  I  crossed  before  them,  through  the  wood, 
To  warn  thee  they  '11  be  here  immediately. 

HILDING 

Some  miracle  befell  them  !     We  shall  hear ! 
O  Frithiof,  O  my  dear-beloved  son, 
Death  had  been  kinder  than  this  coming  home  ! 
How  can  I  put  an  end  to  all  thy  hopes  ? 
The  Norns  are  cruel,  I  have  lived  too  long ! 

BLAETAND 

Courage,  good  Hilding  !     E'en  the  bitterest  woe 
Is  softened  by  the  voice  of  one  we  love. 
Frithiof,  indeed,  were  friendless,  wanting  thee  ! 
Let  us  be  thankful  that  the  townsfolk  flock 
Toward  the  groves,  and  so  desert  the  shore, 
And  give  us  time  to  fix  upon  some  plan 
For  Frithiof's  safety. 

59 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HILDING  {Tremulously.} 

Thou  'rt  a  kindly  lad  ! 

\Song,  laughter,  men's  voices,  and  the  tramping  of  feet 
are  heard,  without.  The  dog  strains  wildly  on  his 
leash,  breaks  from  HILDING,  and  bounds  off,  to  meet 
his  master} 

BLAETAND 

Good  Bran,  I  slandered  thee  !     Thou  art  a  friend 
Whom  Frithiof  will  find  faithful  to  the  end  ! 

[FRITHIOF,  with  the  dog  leaping  around  him,  BJORN, 
WARRIORS,  and  MARINERS,  enter,  in  high  spirits} 

FRITHIOF  {Catching  sight  0/"  HILDING  and  BLAETAND.] 

Father !     What  joy  is  this  !     To  meet  thee  so, 
The  first  of  all ! 

\Embracing  him  ;  BLAETAND  greets  BJORN.] 
Nay,  Bran  was  first  of  all  I 

[  Caressing  the  dog} 
Good  Bran !     [To  HILDING.]     How  comes  he  here,  so  far 

from  all 
The  household  gods  he  guards  so  jealously  ?  — 

[As  HILDING  does  not  answer} 
Father,  I  came  on  thee  too  suddenly, 
And  have  alarmed  thee,  like  a  heedless  boy ! 

60 


THE     NORSEMAN 


BLAETAND 

We  thought  thee  shipwrecked,  —  lost,  with  all  thy  crew. 

FRITHIOF 
Why,  that  is  strange !     Who  brought  such  doleful  news  ? 

BLAETAND 

We  watched  you,  from  the  shore,  the  night  you  sailed, 
In  the  great  storm  ;  your  boat  was  swallowed  up, 
After  a  blinding  bolt  ;  your  ship  went  down, 
Or  so  it  seemed,  whelmed  by  a  dreadful  wave. 
You  have  been  mourned  as  dead,  among  us  all. 

FRITHIOF 

What  tale  is  this?     Our  galley  reached  the  ship 
In  safety ;  then  a  heavy  mist  shut  down 
And  hid  the  coast  from  view  ;  the  storm  grew  less, 
And  we  got  safe  to  sea,  and  met  no  more 
Adventures  till  we  reached  the  Faroe  Isles. 

[To  HILDING  ;  joyfully^ 
Hear,  father,  how  our  further  fortunes  ran  ! 
They  will  revive  thee  with  their  excellence  ! 

[To  HILDING  and  BLAETAND.] 
When  we  did  touch  upon  Angantyr's  Isle, 
And  came  on  shore,  down-rushing  to  the  strand, 
The  Viking  Atle,  with  twelve  armed  men, 
To  learn  our  business  and  condition,  came. 

61 


THE     NORSEMAN 


I  gave  my  errand,  measuring  his  men, 

For,  swift,  a  plan  of  action  smote  my  mind  ! 

He,  like  a  maddened  Berserk  heard  me  out, 

Then  cried  "  'T  is  said  that  Frithiof  never  prays 

For  quarter  !     Draw  thy  spell-protected  blade, 

And,  by  the  gods,  prepare  to  ask  it,  now !  " 

I  answered  him,  "  If,  with  my  comrades  twelve, 

I  can  outfight  and  conquer  thine  and  thee, 

Wilt  thou,  with  me,  to  Yarl  Angantyr  go, 

And  plead  my  mission  ?  "     Boastful,  he  replied, 

"  That  will  I !     And  do  still  allow  thee  choice 

Of  combat  or  of  flight !  "     I  laughed  aloud  ! 

Then  clashing  weapons  showered  fast  a  hail 

Of  mighty  strokes  around  us,  and  the  glee 

Of  battle  in  our  veins  ran  rapturously  ! 

Oh,  these  brave  comrades,  fast  and  firm  they  stood, 

Each  vying  to  be  foremost !     Till,  at  length, 

Keen  Angurvadel  bit  the  Viking's  blade, 

And  down  I  bore  him  to  the  earth,  and  cried, 

Kneeling  upon  his  heaving  breast,  "  Who  prays 

For  quarter  now  ? "     And  raised  my  sword  on  high, 

As  if  to  strike,  but  Atle  trembled  not, 

As  he  replied  "  Not  I,  O  Frithiof ! 

To-morrow,  I  shall  see  thee,  'mid  the  joys 

That,  in  Valhalla,  I  shall  taste,  to-day !  " 

I  raised  him  up,  and,  reconciled,  we  came 

Before  Angantyr,  where  I  told  my  tale 

Without  concealment,  laying  bare  the  whole 

Of  Helge's  malice  and  foul  treachery, 


62 


THE    NORSEMAN 


And  spoke  of  my  dear  Lady.     Then  the  Yarl 
Poured  out  a  cup,  and  said  "  Full  welcome  be 
To  these  our  halls,  in  friendship's  honoured  name  1 
Since  many  a  creaming  horn,  with  Thorsten,  we 
Have  emptied  here,  his  son  shall  be  denied 
No  boon  that,  by  our  hand,  may  be  supplied." 
Wherewith,  he  called  his  daughter,  and  she  went 
Forth  from  the  hall,  in  haste,  and  soon  returned, 
Bearing  this  silken  purse,  with  ruby  clasp, 
And  golden  tassels, — 

[Holding  the  purse  before  them.~\ 

which  her  father  filled, 
Quite  to  the  brim,  with  gold  from  foreign  lands, 

[Jingling  it,  boyishly^ 

And  gave  to  me,  and  said  "O  welcome  guest, 
I  pay  no  tribute  for  my  race  is  free; 
Let  Bele's  sons  come  take  it  with  their  swords, 
If  they  demand  it !     Thorsten  I  held  dear  ; 
Take,  in  his  name,  this  gift,  as  thou  wilt 
Do  with  it."     Whereupon  he  made  us  free 
Of  his  great  house,  and  entertained  us  all, 
Full  royally,  till  we  embarked  again, 
And  safely  voyaged  homeward  with  light  hearts. — 

[Pausing;  then,  astonished,  as  HILDING  does  not  speak, ,] 
Father,  no  word  of  praise,  no  smile  of  joy 
For  these  good  fortunes? — \_Alarmed.~]      Hast  thou  some 

dark  news, 

That  doth  extinguish  so,  and  overspread 
Our  bright  adventures?     Let  me  know  the  whole  ! 

63 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HILDING  [  With  a  great  effort.} 

Frithiof  —  the  dog  — thou  did'st  exclaim  to  see 
Him  here,  so  far  from  Framnas  and  his  home. 
He  has  no  home.     I  found  him  mournfully 
Howling  about  the  ashes  of  thy  house, 
The  sole  remaining  tenant  of  those  halls 
We  loved  so  well  —  O  son,  I  can  no  more  ! 

[He  covers  his  face  with  his  hands.     A  furious  outcry 
from  THE  WARRIORS.] 

FRITHIOF  \Half-stupified^ 

My  house  in  ashes  !    [To  BLAETAND.]     Who  has  done  this 
thing  ? 

BLAETAND 

'Twas  Helge.     Wreaking  malice  on  thy  goods, 
That  nothing  might  remain  to  speak  of  thee. 

FRITHIOF 

Rage  burns  me  up  !     But  this  can  wait  awhile  1 

[To  HILDING,  grimly. ,] 

There  's  more  behind  thy  grief  than  blackened  fields 
And  ruined  homesteads  !      Where  is  Ingeborg? 


Frithiof,  be  patient !  —  Try  to  bear  this  thing  !  — 
King  Ring  attacked.     His  shields  were  five  to  one. 

64 


THE    NORSEMAN 


In  Disar's  vale,  beside  the  brook,  they  fought,— 
And  dyed  its  waters  red,  where  she  and  thou 
So  oft  have  played  !  —  Halfdan  fought  valiantly, — 
I  was  full  proud  !  —  but  we  were  vanquished. 
Ing'borg  was  made  the  price  — 

[FRITHIOF  utters  a  terrible  cry.~\ 

They  gave  her  up  !  — 

Ring  would  have  seized  the  crown.  —  She  was  more  dead, 
Than  living,  in  that  hour!     Now  Ring  hath  led 
Her  home,  his  bride. 

FRITHIOF  [Drawing  his  sword ;  with  the  Berserker 
rage  upon  him ;  in  a  trumpet-like  voiceJ\ 

Now,  comrades,  follow  me  ! 
[THE   WARRIORS  gather,   tumultuously,   around  him. 

To  BLAETAND.] 

Where  may  the  King  be  found  ?     Is  not  to-night 
Balder's  midsummer  feast  ? 

BLAETAND  {Reluctantly^ 

Yea,  in  the  grove, 

Thou  'It  find  the  King  preparing  for  the  rite, 
But  go  not  thither  in  so  rash  a  mood  — 

FRITHIOF  {Interrupting  him ;  to  his  comrades^ 

Come! 
65 


THE     NORSEMAN 


BJORN 

Mine  is  the  right  to  'venge  thee,  Frithiof ! 

\They  rush  out,  leaving  HILDING  and  BLAETAND.    The 
dog  follows  FRITHIOF.] 

HILDING 

Where  will  this  madness  lead  ?     My  son  !  my  son  ! 
This  outworn  frame  how  gladly  would  I  give, 
That  those  I  love  might  be  restored  to  joy ! 

\To  BLAETAND.] 
Give  me  thine  arm,  for  I  must  follow  him  ! 

\They  go  out ;  HILDING  leaning  heavily  upon  BLAE 
TAND.] 


CURTAIN 


66 


THE     NORSE  M  A  N 


SCENE  2.  The  grove  of  Balder.  A  sacrificial  altar  is 
arranged  under  the  great  oak.  A  golden  image  of 
Balder,  wearing  FRITHIOFV  ring  upon  its  arm. 

THE  PRIESTS  go  busily  in  and  out  of  the  temple.  Sev 
eral  aged  seers,  with  flint-stone  knives  in  their  hands, 
are  preparing  the  sacrifice.  HELGE,  crowned,  and  richly 
appareled,  is  serving  by  the  altar,  with  THE  HIGH 
PRIEST.  An  alarm  is  heard  without.  FRITHIOF, 
BJORN,  WARRIORS,  and  SEAMEN  enter,  furiously.  THE 
PRIESTS  throng  out  of  the  temple. 

FRITHIOF  [To  HELGE.] 

Here  is  the  tribute  I  was  sent  to  fetch 

From  overseas !     Thou  'It  stoop  to  gather  it, — 

Thou  and  thy  moonshine  prophets!     Take  it  —  thus ! 

\He  tears  the  purse  from  his  girdle,  and  throws  it  in 
HELGE'S /#<:<?,•  the  coin  is  scattered  in  every  direction. 
HELGE,  for  the  moment,  is  half-stunned,  and  THE 
PRIESTS  too  startled  to  act.  FRITHIOF  catches  sight 
of  the  ring,  on  the  arm  of  Balder  s  image  J\ 

Why,  now,  bright  god,  who  has  arrayed  thee  thus, 

In  splendor  stolen  from  a  helpless  maid  ? 

Spare  me  thine  anger,  — but  I  take  mine  own  ! 

\_He  tries  boldly  to  pull  the  ring  from  the  arm  of  the 
god.  It  sticks  fast,  and  becoming  loosened,  suddenly, 
the  image  is  thrown  down  upon  the  altar,  extinguish 
ing  the  sacred  flame.  In  the  horror  and  confusion 

67 


THE     NORSEMAN 


which  ensue,  THE  PRIESTS  attack  FRITHIOF,  with 
their  knives,  in  fanatical  frenzy  ,  FRITH  IOF'S  men,  in 
turn,  attacking  THE  PRIESTS.] 

FRITHIOF  [Slipping  the  ring  on  his  arm,  and 
drawing  his  swordJ] 

'T  is  shame  for  Angurvadel  to  dispatch 
Such  pallid  semblances  of  men  as  you  ! 
Betake  yourselves  to  flight,  and,  while  you  may, 
Save  such  poor  sap  as  in  your  veins  doth  flow  ! 

[HELGE  steals  up  behind  FRITHIOF,  as  he  speaks,  and  is 
about  to  stab  him,  but  is  discovered  by  BJORX,  who 
steals  upon  HELGE.] 

HELGE  [Raising  his  knife  to  strike  FRITHIOF.] 
So  are  the  mouths  of  foul  blasphemers  stopped  ! 

BjORN  [Stabbing  HELGE.] 

And  so  die  traitors,  in  their  treachery  ! 

[HELGE  _/tf//JV  BJORIST  kneels  upon  his  body  ;  stabbing 


him.~\ 

This  blow  for  Framnas  !     [Stabbing  him.] 

This,  for  Ingeborg  ! 

HELGE  [Faintly.] 

I  am  undone  !  —  'T  is  even  as  she  prayed  ! 
[He  dies.} 

68 


THE    NORSEMAN 


BjORN  [Shouting  to  FRITHIOF.] 
The  King  is  dead,  and  men  may  breathe  again  ! 

THE  PRIESTS   [Terrified,-  taking  up  the  cry.} 

The  King  is  dead  ! 

The  King! 

The  King  is  slain  ! 

[FRITHIOF  and  his  men  drive  out  the  panic-stricken 
Priests,  before  them;  FRITH IOF'S  magic  sword,  An- 
gurvadel,  filming  redly,  in  the  thick  of  the  onset. 
THE  HIGH  PRIEST,  with  several  others,  is  cut  off, 
and  pursued  by  a  WARRIOR  into  the  temple.  HILD 
ING  and  BLAETAND  enter] 

HILDING 

What  scene  is  this!     Great  Balder's  self  pulled  down 
Upon  his  altar,  and  its  flame  put  out ! 

BLAETAND  [Stooping  over  the  body  of  HELGE  ;  with 
a  cry.] 

The  King  is  slain  ! 

[HILDING  falls  on  his  knees  before  the  altar.  THE 
HIGH  PRIEST  rushes  out  of  the  temple,  pursued  by 
THE  WARRIOR.] 

THE  HIGH  PRIEST   [Fleeing;  to  BLAETAND.] 

The  temple  burns  !     Pour  water — water!     Pour  — 
[BLAETAND  hastens  into  the  temple.] 

69 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HILDING 

What  can  /right,  an  old  man,  of  this  wrong  ? 

[  With  sudden  determination^ 
I  can  replace  the  god  upon  his  throne  ! 

[  With  an  access  of  superhuman  strength,  he  lifts  the 
fallen  image,  and  replaces  it  upon  its  pedestal ;  then 
gropes  blindly,  and  falls  dead  before  it.  FRITHIOF 
re-enters,  hot  from  the  pursuit^ 

FRITHIOF  [Seeing  HILDING.] 

Father  !  What  doest  thou  here  ? 

[Trying  to  raise  him.'] 

Nay  —  dead  ?     Not  dead  ? 

\_He  is  overcome  with  grief. .] 
The  last  of  all  my  kindred  !  —  Shall  I  fall 
Upon  this  faithful  blade,  and  make  an  end 
Of  this  dark  riddle  of  unanswered  hope  ? 
O  Ing'borg,  Ing'borg,  wilt  thou  need  again, 
This  sword  to  shield  thee,  —  free  thee,  it  may  hap, 
From  life's  imprisonment,  too  bitter  grown  ? 
Ye  Fates  make  answer  — 

BLAETAND  [Rushing  out  of  the  temple^ 

'T  is  in  vain  !     In  vain  ! 

The  flames  take  all !     The  grove  is  summer-dried, 
And  soon  must  follow  ! 

70 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[Seeing  FRITHIOF.] 

See,  the  temple  burns  ! 

\The  flames  begin  to  glow,  within  the  temple^ 
Some  priests  sought  sanctuary,  in  the  shrine, 
Thy  Warrior  caught  and  slew  them  ruthlessly, 
And  strewed  the  altar-embers  all  about  — 

[Catching  sight  of  HILDING'S  body.~\ 
Now,  what  is  this!     Good  Hilding,  speak,  I  pray! 

FRITHIOF 

Hilding  will  speak  no  more.     I  found  him  dead, 
Before  the  feet  of  Balder.     He  had  raised, 
I  think,  the  image,  to  its  former  place, 
And  his  great  heart,  that  urged  him  to  the  task, 
Had  burst  in  its  performance.     Thou  wilt  bear 
His  body  safely  hence  ? 

BLAETAND 

Yea,  Frithiof,  yea  ! 

I  never  should  have  left  him  !     Woeful  day ! 
[BjORN  re-enters,  in  haste.} 

BJORN 

Brother,  away,  away !     The  priests  recruit 
The  nobles  and  the  townsfolk,  and  will  soon 
Cut  off  escape !     Our  men  are  on  the  shore  ; 
We  '11  through  the  wood,  and  join  them  instantly  ! 


THE     NORSEMAN 


\_Aghast ;    as  he  sees  the  body  of  HILDING,  and  the 

flames  devouring  the  temple] 
Good  Hilding  dead  !     The  temple  set  on  fire  ! 
Come  1     For  each  moment  here  is  perilous  ! 

[Grimly.] 
A  fearful  bale-fire  this,  for  Balder's  feast ! 

\_He  goes  out.] 

FRITHIOF  [Going.] 

Blaetand  —  my  dog  —  when  we  approached  the  wood, 
I  drove  him  back.     Thou  'It  find  and  shelter  him  ? 

[Smiling  faintly] 

A  Viking's  life,  upon  the  rolling  sea, 
Would  poorly  suit  a  rangey,  land-bred  hound ! 

BLAETAND 

It  shall  be  done  !     For  Hilding's  sake,  —  and  thine  ! 

[They  clasp  hands,  and  FRITHIOF  hastens  out,  after 
BJORN.  BLAETAND  raises  the  body  of  HILDING  in 
his  arms,  and  bears  it  out.  HELGE'S  body  lies  before 
the  darkened  altar.  The  flames  begin  to  roar  and 
crackle.  They  cast  a  lurid  light  through  the  grove, 
and  play  upon  the  image  of  Balder,  which  seems  to 
blink  and  smile] 

CURTAIN 


72 


THE    NORSEMAN 


ACT  IV 

SCENE  i.  RINGRIC.  The  feasting-hall  in  KING  RING'S 
Palace.  On  a  golden  high-seat,  at  the  head  of  the  board, 
KING  RING  and  INGEBORG  are  seated.  The  little 
PRINCE  stands,  sturdily,  by  his  mother  s  knee.  Around 
the  board  sit  the  COURTIERS  and  WARRIORS  of  RING. 
At  the  lower  benches,  the  PAGES  and  poor  retainers.  As 
the  curtain  rises,  all  are  feasting  and  merry-making, 
save  INGEBORG,  who  is  quiet  and  unsmiling,  except  with 
the  little  PRINCE,  for  whom  her  sadness  lightens. 

RING  [71?  INGEBORG,  aside. ~\ 

A  goodly  feast ! 

[INGEBORG    rests  her  head  on  her  hand,   and  sighs, 
absently.      Observing  her,  angrily.] 

What !  sighing,  evermore  ! 
Will  nothing  serve  to  shake  thy  discontent  ? 

INGEBORG  [In  a  low  voice.] 

Have  I  not  striven  to  be  dutiful  ? 
What  do  I  leave  undone  ? 

RING 

No  special  thing  1 
Yet  thou  dost  nothing  in  the  name  of  love, 

73 


THE     N  O  R  S  E  M  A  N 


That  perfumes  all  life's  meanest  usages, 
And,  being  absent,  turns  to  very  dross 
A  King's  possessions  ! 

INGEBORG  [Coldly.] 

That  thou  may'st  not  have  ! 
Did  I  not  freely  show  thee  all  my  heart, 
Before  my  brothers  gave  me  unto  thee  ? 
I  have  no  love  to  give  to  any  man, 
Save  Frith iof,  son  of  Thorsten,  who  doth  keep 
The  pledge  and  single  passion  of  my  life. 

RING 

This  man  destroyed  the  temple  of  thy  god, 
And  slew  thy  brother !     Wilt  thou  love  him  still  ? 
In  these  four  years,  his  face  has  not  been  seen  ! 
He  may  be  dead  ! 

INGEBORG  [Quietly.] 

He  is  not  dead  to  me  ! 

RING  [JBitterly] 

So  be  it,  then  !     His  ghost  shall  evermore 
Extinguish  all  the  brightness  of  my  house  ; 
Sit  at  my  feasts;  outweigh  my  benefits; 
And  quaff  the  subtle  wine  of  my  content ! 

[A  disturbance  is  heard,  without.     FRITHIOF  enters,  in 
the  disguise  of  an  aged  salt-burner.     He  is  enveloped, 

74 


T  H  E     NORSEMAN 


from  head  to  foot,  in  a  shaggy  bear-skin,  and  walks 
bent  and  wearily,  leaning  upon  a  heavy  staff,  not 
withstanding  which,  his  unusual  height  is  apparent. 
He  seats  himself  at  the  lowest  bench,  beside  the  door. 
The  underlings,  headed  by  HALVAR,  the  KING'S 

jester,  begin  to  tease  and  mock  him.] 

HALVAR 

Come  to  the  baiting !     Ho,  an  aged  bear  ! 

\The  underlings  laugh  boisterously,  and  jostle  FRITHIOF. 
A  PAGE  attempts  to  trip  his  staffl\ 

FRITH  IOF  [  Catching  the  PAGE  by  the  waist,  and  tlumght- 
fully  turning  him  on  his  head,  with  one  hand] 

This  fellow's  wit  lies  not  within  his  head  ! 
Perchance  his  heels  are  nimbler !     Heels  o'er  head, 
Take  thy  wit  hence,  young  master  ! 

[Sends  him  sprawling.     He  gets  up  ruefully.     The  rest 
fall  back,  in  astonishment.] 

THE  CROWN  PRINCE 

Mother  !     Oh  ! 

What  noise  is  that  ?     Why  do  they  tease  a  bear  ? 
[INGEBORG  quiets  him.'] 

RING   [Rising  to  his  feet,  angrily.] 

What  means  this  uproar?     Who  disturbs  our  peace, 
With  common  brawling  ? 

75 


THE     NORSEMAN 


HALVAR 

Sire,  /would  say 

That  't  was  uncommon  brawling.  This  old  man 
Has  more  strength  left,  in  one  of  his  old  hands, 
Than  half  these  youngsters  have  in  both  of  theirs  ! 

RING  [To  FRITHIOF.] 

Greybeard,  come  hither.     Answer  when  I  speak. 
What  is  thy  name,  and  where  thy  fatherland  ? 
Why  com'st  thou  here  ? 

FRITHIOF  [Approaching.] 

O  King,  thou  askest  much 
[At  his  first  words,  INGEBORG  listens  intently '.] 
Grief  is  my  name.     I  dwell  in  Sorrow's  land, 
To  thee  I  come,  —  to  learn  my  further  fate. 
In  bygone  days,  I  rode  the  ocean  free; 
A  mighty  ship,  with  sombre  sails,  I  had ; 
I  lost  her  in  the  frozen  seas,  and  now, 
Grown  old  and  weak,  I  get  my  daily  bread 
By  burning  salt.     I  came  to  thee  from  far, 
Hearing  thy  fame  and  wisdom  widely  spread, 
Yon  grinning  fools  did  mock  me,  and  I  paid 
Their  insults  back.     I  'm  grown  too  old  for  scorn  1 

RING 

Thy  bold  words  do  not  sit  upon  thee  ill ! 
76 


THE     NORSEMAN 


All  men  should  honour  age.     Come  here,  by  me. 

Throw  off  thy  heavy  cloak,  and  be  at  ease. 

[FRITH  IOF  lets  the  bear's  hide  fall  from  him,  and  stands 
fort 'h,  gorgeously  arrayed  in  a  mantle  of  azure  velvet, 
belted  with  a  great  silver  girdle.  He  displays  INGE- 
BORG'S  ring  on  his  bare  arm ;  his  sword  hangs  at 
his  side.  INGEBORG  utters  a  cry  of  recognition,  and 
recovers  herself  with  difficulty  I\ 

THE  CROWN  PRINCE 

Mother,  the  shining  one  !     Is  't  Balder's  self  ? 

[/«  the  smile  that  runs  'round  the  board,  the  COURTIERS 
recover  from  their  astonishment.  FRITHIOF  beams 
upon  the  little  PRINCE,  who  returns  his  look,  en 
thralled.] 

RING 
What  prince  art  thou,  that  cometh  so  disguised  ? 

FRITHIOF 

I  am  a  nameless  and  a  banished  man, 
Unless  thy  portals  can  embrace  me,  so, — 
Unknown,  conditionless, —  I  must  go  forth, 
Once  more  to  roam  about  the  pathless  sea. 

RING 

Preserve  what  mask  thou  wilt.     Be  welcome  here. 

[Motioning  FRITHIOF  to  a  seat,  beside  him.  To  the 
Court.] 

77 


T  HE     N  O  R  S E  M  A  N 


Now  let  the  horn  be  blown,  and  I  will  make 

My  vow  to  Frey,  this  coming  has  delayed. 

[A  horn  is  blown,  for  silence,  and  a  boards  head,  decked 
with  flowers,  and  holding  a  golden  apple  in  its 
month,  is  borne  in,  on  a  great  silver  dish,  by  four 
PAGES.  RING  touches  the  forehead  of  the  boar,  and 
raises  his  eyes,  solemnly,  to  heaven} 

That  Viking  bold,  by  whom,  of  late,  the  seas 

Are  ravaged,  and  our  merchant-ships  despoiled, 

By  Frey,  Thor,  and  Almighty  Odin,  I 

Do  swear  to  conquer  ! 

FRITHIOF 

[Leaping  up,  and  striking  the  board  a  ringing  blow, 
with  his  sword,  that  makes  the  startled  COURTIERS 
jump,  in  their  places '.] 

Hear  my  vow,  O  King  ! 
\_He  touches  the  boar  s  head} 
I  swear  to  shield  that  Viking,  with  this  blade, 
From  any  foeman  in  the  North  arrayed. 
For  that  he  is  my  kinsman  and  my  friend. 
Frey,  Thor,  and  Odin  to  this  vow  attend  ! 

\_The  frightened  PAGES  place  the  boar's  head  on  the 
table.} 

RING  [/«  amazement.} 

Thy  words  are  bold !     But  while  thou  art  my  guest, 
Thou  may'st  with  perfect  freedom  speak  thy  mind  ! 

78 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[To  INGEBORG.] 

Fill,  for  this  stranger,  now,  a  horn  of  wine  ; 
We  '11  drink  to  his  long  tarrying,  in  our  midst. 

[INGEBORG  Jills  the  mead-horn  which  stands  before  her, 
and  carries  it  to  FRITHIOF.  As  she  offers  it  to  him, 
she  spills  a  little  of  the  wine,  as  if  through  awkward 
ness,  and  looks  him  in  the  face,  for  the  first  time] 

INGEBORG 

Forgive  me  !     It  was  past  my  help  I 

FRITHIOF  [Tenderly;  in  a  low  voice.] 

I  know  / 

[Aloud.] 
I  drink  the  health  of  this  most  gentle  Queen  ! 

\He  empties  the  horn] 
And  to  requite  her  hospitality, 
So  freely,  to  a  doubtful  stranger  shown, 
I  humbly  pray  her  to  accept  this  ring, 
In  token  of  my  deepest  fealty. 

[ffe  takes  the  ring  from  his  arm,  and  puts  it  upon 
INGEBORG'S.] 

INGEBORG  [Blushing  with  joy  ;  pressing  the  ring 
to  her  arm.] 

She  doth  receive  and  wear  it,  thankfully  ! 

[FRITHIOF  leads  her,  again,  to  her  place.] 

79 


THE     NORSEMAN 


RING  \_2o  FRITHIOF,  observing  him  intently^ 

Wilt  thou  not  tell  some  tale  of  that  far  land, 
From  whence  thou  comest  ?     Or  recount  some  deed 
Of  hero-valor,  to  thy  forbears  known, 
For  our  diversion  ? 

FRITHIOF 

Gladly,  O  King  Ring  ! 
I  will  relate  the  story  of  the  gem 
By  wearing  which,  the  Queen  doth  honor  me. 

[He  seafs  himself  on  the  steps  of  the  high-seat,  at  the 

feet  0/"lNGEBORG.] 

Back,  through  my  mother's  line,  the  ring  is  said 
To  trace  its  source  unto  the  halting  god,  Valunder, 
Who  did  forge  and  fashion  it. 
By  plundering  Sote,  once,  'twas  stolen  away, 
Who,  in  the  olden  times,  did  cruise  the  sea, 
Widely,  through  all  the  North  ;  then  vanished  ; 
And  rumor  whispered  that,  on  Britain's  coast, 
He  had  interred,  within  a  lofty  tomb, 
Himself,  his  ship,  and  treasure. 

\The  curtain  falls  on  the  moving  tableau?^ 

Still  he  found 
No  rest,  but  ever,  round  and  round  his  grave  — 

CURTAIN 


80 


THE    NORSEMAN 


SCENE  2.  A  terrace  outside  the  Palace;  late  afternoon. 
Three  days  have  elapsed,  since  FRITHIOF'S  arrival.  It 
is  autumn,  and  the  golden  leaves  are  slowly  falling 
from  the  linden  trees,  by  which  the  terrace  is  shaded. 
A  stone  seat ;  and  the  rough,  stone  basin  of  a  fotmtain. 
The  front  of  the  Palace  is  visible,  on  the  right.  A  great 
bell,  with  a  bell-rope,  hangs  over  the  Palace  gate.  The 
sea  may  be  seen,  in  the  distance,  as  if  from  above. 
Enter  KING  RING  and  FRITHIOF,  conversing. 

FRITHIOF 

Birch  forests  crown  the  summits  of  the  hills, 
And  on  their  slopes  lie  waving  fields  of  rye, 
And  golden  barley.     Many  a  tranquil  lake 
Doth  hold  a  shining  mirror  to  the  sky. 

RING 

A  goodly  country,  which,  from  thy  account, 
I  should  adjudge  more  fertile  than  our  own. 
The  day  is  sultry !     Let  us  rest  awhile, 
And  mark  the  peaceful  passing  of  the  year. 
[Sealing  himsd/J] 

FRITHIOF  [Musing.] 

A  golden  prospect  1     Now  comes  on  the  Fall ! 
Far  in  my  homeland  there's  a  busy  sprite, 
Painting  the  forest  with  a  hundred  hues, 
Where  the  great  elk,  with  towering  antlers  reared, 

81 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Stalks  kinglike,  or  doth  drink  his  royal  fill 
From  mountain  rivulets,  as  cold  as  snow. 

[RING  begins  to  nod.] 
The  harvest  of  the  year,  —  a  genial  time, 
Touched  with  the  sadness  of  departing  grace  1 

[RiNG/etgns  to  fall  asleep.] 
When  shall  I  read  thy  signals  on  the  heights, 
And  down  the  gentle  valleys  of  my  birth  ? 

[He  discovers  that  the  KING  is  asleep ;  coming  close  to 

him] 

How  now,  does  Winter  lay  his  frosty  head 
Upon  the  breast  of  Autumn  ?     Let  me  see  ! 

[Gazing  closely  at  the  KING'S  face] 
So  thou  art  he  that  stole  away  my  Bride  ? 

[  With  rising  anger] 

How  did'st  thou  dare  to  pluck  that  budding  rose, 
To  plant  upon  the  snow  of  thy  decline ! 
She  loves  me  !  —  with  a  passion  that  has  grown 
Resistless  with  its  longing!     First  for  home, 
And  all  the  recollections  of  her  youth, 
She  pined,  —  and  home  !     What  was  it  but  my  face  ! 
Now  I  have  found  her,  can  I  go  again, 
And  leave  her  to  her  longing,  and  fare  forth, 
Myself,  in  body,  leaving  here  my  soul, 
To  haunt  its  sorrow  ?     By  this  old  man's  death, 
All  would  be  righted  !     [His  hand  steals  to  his  sword] 
With  one  well-aimed  stroke  — 
And  drop  him  from  the  terrace  to  the  sea  — 

82 


THE     NORSEMAN 


\_ffe  creeps  forward,  an/I  then,  appalled  at  his  intention, 
throws  away  his  sword,  which  falls  clattering  against 
the  basin  of  the  fountain.  RING  appears  to  awaken^ 

RING 

What  noise  was  that  ? 

FRITHIOF 

My  sword  fell  from  my  hand. 

[Picking  it  up,  in  confusion,  and  returning  it  to  its 
scabbardJ] 

RING 

Fell,  or  was  thrown  away,  O  Frithiof  ? 

FRITHIOF  [Amazed.} 
Thou  know'st  me,  who  I  am  ? 

RING 

I  knew  thee,  first, 

When  thou  did'st  place  the  ring  on  Ing'borg's  arm. 
I  chose  this  time  to  have  a  word  with  thee. 
Frithiof,  I  wronged  thee,  knowing  not  how  great 
The  wrong  I  did.     Have  patience,  yet  awhile ! 
Youth  can  afford  a  penitential  hour, 
A  brief  denial,  at  the  soul's  behest. 
My  years  are  many.     In  this  golden  air 

83 


T  HE     NORSEMAN 


i  feel  the  touch  and  numbing  chill  of  death 
Descend  upon  my  spirit.     Be  content 
To  voyage  a  little  longer.     Can'st  thou,  so  ? 
Wilt  thou  be  reconciled  to  such  a  course  ? 

ER IT H I O F  [After  a  pause,] 

I  will  be  gone  as  quickly  as  I  can, 
And  tempt  my  love,  and  try  my  soul  no  more. 
I  thank  thee  for  thy  hospitality, 
And  wise  forbearance.     I  '11  to  find  Bjorn, 
And  have  my  ship  made  ready.     Fare  thee  well ! 
[He  goes  out] 

RING 

Frithiof,  farewell!     Men  call  me  "Wise  King  Ring!" 

Wise  !     To  espouse  the  little  snow-white  maid, 

Who  is  the  mate  of  yonder  hero  !     Wise  ! 

Nay,  rather  mad,  —  to  barter  for  a  wife 

Whose  heart  I  know  not,  and  whose  love  was  won 

Ere  ever  I  beheld  her !     It  is  done  ! 

[  Going  toward  the  Palace ;  with  a  long  look  around 

him] 

Strange,  that  the  earth  should  never  seem  so  fair, 
As  when  the  eyes  may  look  on  it  no  more  ! 

[  With  a  change  of  mood ;  wrathfully] 
Nay,  then  !     Shall  I  be  scapegoat  for  this  brace 
Of  sighing  lovers  !     'T  was  a  bargain  !     Fair, 
And  understood  of  all !     And  I  have  kept 

84 


THE     NORSEMAN 


My  part  with  strict  and  free  conformity! 

For  this  pale  maid,  shall  I  lay  down  my  state, 

Depose  myself,  and  leave  my  single  heir 

To  be  bred  up  in  this  usurper's  house  ? 

'T  is  monstrous  !     'T  is  a  foul  ingratitude  ! 

Have  1  not  fed  her,  clothed  her,  honoured  her, 

Humored  her  whims,  been  playmate  to  her  child  ? 

Yet  the  first  glance  from  this  young  rover's  eyes 

Dissolves  me  from  her  very  consciousness, 

As  though  the  sun  should  bid  a  mist  dispel ! 

I  have  lived  close  with  virtue  all  my  life ; 

My  realm  doth  bask  in  high  prosperity ; 

And  many  men,  by  my  beneficence, 

Are  helped  and  furthered,  on  life's  thorny  way. 

Shall  I  be  slighted  by  these  light  o'  loves ! 

I,  Sigurd,  King  of  Ringric  !     By  my  troth, 

I  '11  summon  forth  the  flower  of  my  men, 

And  have  this  vagrant  flogged  from  off  my  coast  1 

I  '11  take  a  higher  hand  with  this  proud  dame, 

And  keep  more  safe  the  honour  of  my  house  ! 

\_He  tries  to  reach  the  rope  that  pulls  the  great  bell,  in 
the  Palace  gate.  It  just  eludes  his  grasp.  He  tries 
to  drag  the  stone  bench  toward  it,  but  cannot  stir  it. 
He  tugs  at  it  fiercely,  moves  it  a  little,  and  halts, 
exhausted.  Bitterly7\ 

Old!     I  am  old!     Weak  —  futile  —  rusted  out! 

O  life,  how  thou  dost  mock  man,  to  the  end ! 

My  race  is  run  ;  my  breath  and  pulses  fail ; 

Wisdom,  the  priceless  treasure  of  my  years, 

85 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Should  be  my  bride  !     And  yet  I  still  pursue 
Youth's  phantom  dream  of  earthly  happiness  I 

[Pressing  his  hand  upon  his  eyes,  after  a  pause] 
I  will  go  in  and  wrestle  with  this  fate, 
That  so  essays  me  in  its  crucible  1 

\_He  goes  heavily  into  the  Palace.     Enter  HALVAR  and 
an  old  man  "  of 'the people."] 

THE  OLD  MAN 

'Tis  whispered,  on  the  quays  and  in  the  town, 

That  it  is  Frithiof!     Now,  what  say'st  thou  ? 

There  is  no  other  dragon-ship  afloat 

Bears  such  a  length  of  keel,  and  how  she  rides 

Her  anchor!     Like  a  fortress  in  the  sea! 

His  crew  will  not  be  questioned.     Thinkest  thou 

'T  is  he,  himself  ?     Thou  hast  observed  him  well. 

HALVAR 

The  King  must  answer  that !     He  '11  hear  thy  news. 
Come  in  with  me  and  tell  thy  tale  to  him. 

[They  go  in.     INGEBORG  and  THE   CROWN   PRINCE 
enter,  by  another  door,  from  the  Palace.] 

THE  CROWN  PRINCE  [Running  along  the  terrace, 
and  looking  down  at  the  sea] 

Oh,  Mother,  see  the  gulls  !     They  circle  so  ! 
Why  do  they  call  and  call,  and  never  sit, 
To  rest  themselves,  upon  the  swinging  sea  ? 

86 


THE    NORSEMAN 


INGEBORG 

So  they  are  made,  my  darling !     \_Aside.~\     Nay,  I  think 
That  they  are  souls  in  pain  !     Thus  do  my  thoughts 
Forever  wheel  and  wheel  about  my  grief, 
Nor  ever  can  find  rest ! 

[Looking  tenderly  at  the  child,  who  plays  happily  about.'] 

Ah,  but  for  thee, 
Thou  rainbow  thing,  life's  knot  could  be  untied  ! 

[FRITH  IOF  re-enters,  full-armed,  and  ready  for  depar 
ture^ 

FRITHIOF  [Seeing  INGEBORG.] 

The  gods  are  kind  to  those  who  purpose  well ! 
I  came  to  seek  thee,  Sunlight  of  my  Soul ! 

THE  CROWN  PRINCE  [Throwing  himself  upon 
FRITHIOF.] 

Now,  may  I  feel  your  sword,  how  sharp  it  is  ? 
And  will  you  tell  me  what  the  writings  say 
That  shine  upon  it  ? 

FRITHIOF  [Smiling.} 

In  a  little  while ;  — 
[He  takes  the  child  in  his  arms,  and  seats  him  beside 

the  fountain.'] 

If  thou  wilt  make  a  garland  for  my  head, 
Of  these  bright  leaves  ! 

87 


THE     NORSEMAN 


THE  CROWN  PRINCE  [Delighted.] 

I  '11  make  a  splendid  one  ! 

[He  begins,  busily,  to  make  the  fallen  leaves  into  a 
crown.  FRITHIOF  draws  INGEBORG  to  a  seat,  beside 
him.] 

FRITHIOF 

Dearest — look  in  my  face  !     This  little  hand, 
That  trembles  so,  shall  rest  upon  my  heart ! 
Dear  Love,  —  to-day,  I  nearly  slew  the  King. 

[INGEBORG  starts  up,  in  terror.] 
He  fell  asleep,  upon  this  very  spot, 
And  all  my  evil  passions  woke  in  me, 
And  counseled  me  to  slay  him,  and  I  stole 
Upon  him,  sword  in  hand,  —  then  saw  myself, 
And  threw  my  guilty  weapon  far  away ! 
And  he  awoke  and  called  me  "  Frithiof." 
So  I  may  tarry  at  thy  side  no  more. 

[INGEBORG,  with  a  cry,  throws  herself  into  his  arms] 
Thou  would'st  not  have  me  stain  my  soul,  for  love  ? 
Thou  would'st  not  have  me  stain  my  love  ?  —  O  death, 
Come  first,  and  save  me  from  that  crowning  sin  ! 

0  Bravest,  Truest,  lift  that  golden  head, 
And  bid  me  go  !     There  is  no  other  way  ! 

1  '11  live  for  thee;  — now  I  have  seen  thee  mine  ;  — 
I  '11  find  a  place  where  I  may  shelter  thee  ; 

I  '11  come  again,  as  life  doth  in  me  dwell ! 

The  King  is  old  !     Till  one  more  harvest,  Sweet ! 

88 


THE    NORSEMAN 


Think  of  the  child  !     We  must  consider  him, 
Before  ourselves,  by  reason  of  his  state, — 
His  helplessness.     Now,  thou  art  comforted  ? 
Speak  to  me,  dearest  1     Thou  would'st  have  me  go  ? 

INGEBORG 

My  light  goes  with  thee  !  —  I  would  have  thee  go. 
If  thou  dost  need  me,  I  will  come  to  thee, 
Across  the  world.     O  love  me !     Live  for  me  ! 

THE  CROWN  PRINCE  {Running  to  them.] 

The  crown  is  done  !     When  wilt  thou  put  it  on  ? 
And  why  does  Mother  weep  ? 

FRITHIOF 

O  little  one, 
I  dare  not  wear  thy  crown  !     The  crown  for  thee ! 

[Putting  it  on  the  child's  head.~\ 
For  me  a  greater  thing  !     [Taking  INGEBORG  in  his  arms .] 

[An  alarm  is  heard  within  the  Palace.  FRITHIOF  and 
INGEBORG  draw  nearer,  to  listen.  HALVAR  and  THE 
OLD  MAN  rush  out,  followed  by  the  terrified  COURT 
IERS.] 

HALVAR  [To  INGEBORG] 

The  King  is  dead  ! 
He  died  upon  his  spear,  ere  we  could  stay  him  ! 

89 


THE     NORSEMAN 


[INGEBORG  covers  her  face  with  her  hands.  FRITH  IOF 
takes  the  child  in  his  arms,  to  soothe  him.  HALVAR, 
in  his  motley,  begins  to  pull  the  tocsin,  in  the  Palace 
gate,  to  summon  the  people,  who  hasten  up  from  the 
town  and  sea-front.  BJORN,  full-armed,  and  THE 
WARRIORS  of  FRITHIOF,  among  the  first.  HALVAR 
cries  out,  as  he  tolls.] 

The  King  is  dead  !     The  King  !     The  King  is  dead  ! 

FRITHIOF 

[  When  the  people  have  assembled,  and  the  bell  is  silent ; 
placing  the  child  on  his  shield,  and  raising  him  to  his 
shoulder,  with  the  crown  of  leaves  still  on  his  head] 
The  King  is  dead  1  —  Behold  your  little  King ! 

\The people  acclaim  him,  heartily  I\ 
I  am  a  stranger  in  this  land,  but  now, 
I  would  announce  myself  to  you,  by  name. 
Frithiof,  the  son  of  Thorsten,  am  I  called  — 

\The people  interrupt  him  with  shouts  ofjoy.~\ 
Framnas,  in  Iceland,  was  my  former  home ; 
Your  Queen  was  daughter  of  my  father's  friend, 
King  Bele,  whose  renown  you  all  have  heard. 
I  was  betrothed  to  this  dear  Ingeborg, — 

[She  takes  her  place  beside  him,  proudly.] 
Who,  by  a  trick,  was  stolen  from  my  arms, 
By  her  proud  brother,  who  bestowed  her,  then, 
In  turn  for  peace,  on  your  departed  King. 

90 


THE     NORSEMAN 


Hither  I  came  to  see  how  she  did  fare 
Among  you,  and  it  was  my  plan  to  sail, 
From  here,  upon  the  morrow  — 

[The  child,  tired  of  FRITHIOF'S  speaking,  and  his 
strained  position  on  the  shield,  leaps  boldly  to  the 
ground.  The  people  hail  his  fearless  action  with 
delight,  as  an  omen  of  his  future  strength  and 
courage?^ 

THE  PEOPLE 

Little  King! 
Son  of  the  Shield  ! 

We  will  be  ruled  by  thee  ! 
He  '11  lead  us  into  battle  ! 

Have  no  fear ! 

THE  OLD  MAN  {Coming forward,  as  the 
spokesman  of  the  people} 

Frithiof,  our  little  King,  too  young  is  he 
To  judge  our  wrongs,  and  lead  our  hosts  to  war. 
We  '11  choose  thee  for  the  regent  of  his  house, 
Before  the  Ting,  and  thou  shalt  be  our  Yarl, 
Till  he  is  grown  to  manhood,  if  thou  wilt ; 
For  we  can  safely  trust  our  realm's  renown 
To  such  as  thee. 
[To  the  people.} 

Does  this  express  your  will  ? 

91 


THE    NORSEMAN 


THE  PEOPLE 

Aye  1 

So  we  wish ! 

That  Frithiof  should  be  Yarl ! 

THE  OLD  MAN 

We  will  not  offer  thee  what,  for  so  long, 

Has  been  thine  own,  —  the  love  of  our  young  Queen. 

But  we  '11  attend  your  bridal-feast  with  joy  ! 

[The people  assent,  joyfully,  among  themselves} 

FRITHIOF 

I  thank  you  all !     And  I  will  strive  to  bend, 
'Round  this  young  brow,  a  crown  that  shall  endure  ! 

[He  kisses  the  little  KING,  upon  the  forehead,  and  lifts 
him  to  the  shoulders  of  HALVAR,  who  bears  him  off 
triumphantly,  surrounded  by  the  COURTIERS  and 
people} 

INGEBORG  [Calling  after  HALVAR.] 
Halvar,  be  careful ! 

HALVAR  [Calling  back.} 

Madam,  so  I  will  1 
This  back  shall  bear  him  safely  back  to  thee ! 

92 


THE     NORSEMAN 


INGEBORG  ^Looking  after  them,  with  a  smile  that 
is  dose  to  tears.] 

The  little  mad  thing, — to  be  crowned  a  King! 

FRITHIOF 
Dear  heart,  I  '11  love  him,  as  I  shall  our  own  1 

INGEBORG 

O  blessed  one,  and  he  will  worship  thee ! 

[BjORN  and  FRITHIOF'S  warriors,  who  have  lingered 
behind  the  rest,  come  forward,  with  beaming  looks, 
to  clasp  him  by  the  hand.] 

BJORN 

Dear  brother,  and  sweet  Princess,  you  do  know 
My  joy  in  this  ! 

FRITHIOF  {Embracing  him] 

Bjorn,  we  know  it  well ! 
What  can  we  do  to  give  like  joy  to  thee  ? 

BJORN 

Lend  me  thy  ship  —  and  these 
[Pointing  to  THE  WARRIORS.] 

That  I  may  sail 

93 


THE     N  O  R  S  E  M  A  N 


To  Sognefylke,  to  bring  back  my  maid. 
She  waits  me  there,  I  know  ! 

FRITHIOF 

With  all  my  heart ! 
INGEBORG 

What  joy  to  see  my  Krake's  face  again  ! 
Bjorn,  I  '11  give  thee  gold,  to  reconcile 
My  brother,  Halfdan,  and  re-build  the  shrine  ! 
Wilt  undertake  it  ? 

BJORN 

And  perform  it,  too  ! 

Farewell !     I  shall  return  before  you  two 
Have  eyes  to  see  that  I  am  gone  ! 

INGEBORG 

Farewell, 

Thou  best  of  friends  !     Come  back  to  us  in  haste  ! 
Frithiof  will  put  the  gold  upon  the  ship. 

FRITHIOF  [To  BJORN.] 
I  will  be  with  you,  shortly,  at  the  Ting ! 

[BJORN  and  THE  WARRIORS  go  out,  INGEBORG  waving 
them  farewell.  The  daylight  dies,  and  the  moon, 
huge  and  golden,  begins  to  rise  out  of  the  sea,  gilding 
the  distant  ripplesl\ 

94 


THE     NORSEMAN 


FRITHIOF  {Taking  INGEBORG  in  his  arms.] 

In  one  short  hour,  from  hell  to  highest  heaven  ! 
My  soul  is  dizzy  with  its  swift  ascent ! 

INGEBORG 

To  part  no  more  !     Dear  Love,  can  it  be  true  ? 
To  part  no  more,  until  that  final  sleep, 
From  which  love  wakes  to  smile  eternally  ? 

FRITHIOF 

Yon  golden  moon,  how  often,  from  my  deck, 
I  have  beheld  her,  rising  from  the  sea, 
And  solaced  my  poor  heart  with  the  faint  joy 
Of  thinking  that  she  shone,  as  well,  on  thee  ! 

[A  fisherman  sings,  unseen,  in  his  boat,  on  the  sea, 
below  them^\ 

Love  is  forever, 
Love  changeth  never, 

Winds  of  the  dawn,  o'er  the  bright  waters  blowing, 
Bear  ye  my  dream  to  her  ! 
Ripple  and  gleam  to  her, 
Tide,  ever-flowing  ! 

Sun  of  the  airless, 

Burning  and  pray erless, 

Noon-day,  like  flame  on  the  glassy  sea  falling, 

95 


